SV Sandhausen, a regional league side, narrowly lost a thrilling DFB-Pokal (German Cup) first-round match against Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig, falling to a 4-2 defeat at home. Despite the significant disparity in league standing, Sandhausen demonstrated a determined start, taking an early lead in the third minute through Ampadu Wiafe, capitalizing on a rebound following an initial save.
Leipzig swiftly responded with a goal from Diomande in the sixth minute, leveling the score. Sandhausen then surged ahead again in the 18th minute, following a well-executed counter-attack finished by Herrmann. However, Leipzig once more found the equalizer, this time through a header from Orban following a Xavi free kick in the 23rd minute.
The second half saw Leipzig gain increasing control of the match. The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when a hesitant clearance from Sandhausen’s goalkeeper allowed Banzuzi to head the ball into an empty net, giving Leipzig the lead for the first time.
Xavi sealed the victory in stoppage time with a composed finish following a clever one-two with Ouedraogo, completing the scoring at 4-2.
Elsewhere in the first round, VfL Wolfsburg delivered a dominant performance, winning 9-0 against SV Hemelingen. TSG Hoffenheim secured a 4-0 victory over Rostock and 1. FC Heidenheim triumphed 5-0 against Bahlingen. The matches between FV Illertissen and 1. FC Nürnberg (3-3) and Eintracht Norderstedt against FC St. Pauli (0-0) progressed to extra time to determine the winners.
