Bayer Leverkusen and FC Augsburg have advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal after overcoming lower-league opposition. The Bundesliga pair joined Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart in securing their places in the next phase of Germany’s premier knockout competition.
Leverkusen find fluency after interval
Carles Martinez’s side required patience to break down 3. Liga outfit Wehen Wiesbaden. The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time when Patrick Schick converted, having earlier seen a separate effort correctly ruled out for offside. The Czech striker finished after Ibrahim Maza’s initial attempt took a deflection.
The visitors doubled their advantage immediately after the restart. Lucas Vazquez beat goalkeeper Noah Brdar from a difficult angle after the custodian had parried a header from Schick.
Substitute Nathan Tella extended the margin twenty minutes from time, potentially marking his final appearance for the club amid speculation he could leave before the summer transfer window closes. The winger finished calmly following a clever backheel assist from Maza.
The scoring concluded when Christian Kofane repeated his feat from the same stage of last season’s competition, latching onto an unselfish pass from Afonso Moreira.
Several squad members featured prominently during the second period. Facundo Medina made his competitive debut for Die Werkself, while Jarell Quansah and Exquiel Palacios entered from the bench. However, ex-captain Robert Andrich was absent from the matchday squad entirely, and Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute despite his strong pre-season form.
Augsburg secure professional display
Meanwhile, Augsburg secured a 2-0 victory away to Energie Cottbus. Anton Kade opened the scoring early in the second half, before Kristijan Jakic sealed the win with a strike deep into injury time.
New recruit Mert Kömür, who has inherited the number 10 shirt, appeared as a late substitute under Manuel Baum. The victory comes as the club continue to reject transfer offers from Hull City. The English Championship side are reportedly on their way to a famous victory over Manchester United amid their long-awaited return to Premier League football.
Second round awaits
The victories ensure both top-flight clubs progress to the next round of the DFB-Pokal, with the draw for the second phase set to pair them with new opponents in the coming weeks.