The German DFB Cup, a competition where history is both honored and rewritten, is once again delivering its characteristic blend of high drama and potential upsets in the 2025/26 season. As the second round fixtures command attention, the allure of David overcoming Goliath, or Goliath simply steamrolling its way forward, is palpable across the nation. This isn`t merely about football; it`s about passion, community, and the raw, unscripted beauty of knockout competition.
Bundesliga Goliaths on the Road
The spotlight, inevitably, falls on the Bundesliga`s titans. Reigning champions Bayern Munich embark on a trip to newly promoted Cologne. While Bayern`s pedigree often precedes them, Vincent Kompany, the astute Bayern coach, shows a commendable, if perhaps standard, respect for his opponents.
“They`ve done very well so far. I like their urgency and the speed with which they close down spaces to prevent shots and crosses. They`re also really dangerous on the break and have hurt a lot of teams that way already. They`re at home, but we`re heading to Cologne with great hunger.”
A diplomatic statement, certainly, but one must wonder if “great hunger” for Bayern implies anything less than a resounding victory. Meanwhile, Steffen Baumgart, Cologne’s coach, embraces the challenge with characteristic defiance.
“If we stick to our principles and make the most of the opportunities that fall our way, we have a chance. In front of our fans, the only thing that counts is progressing.”
This is the DFB Cup, where even the most dominant teams can stumble if they underestimate the fervent home advantage and the sheer willpower of an underdog. Cologne, buoyed by their recent promotion, will undoubtedly fancy their chances to make it a difficult evening for the Bavarian giants.
Another major clash sees Bayer Leverkusen traveling to Paderborn. Leverkusen, always a strong contender, faces a Bundesliga 2 side eager to prove their mettle. SC Paderborn 07 coach Lukas Kwasniok`s assessment, though perhaps a tad exaggerated, captures the underdog spirit.
“I`ve looked for weaknesses [in Leverkusen] but couldn`t find any. They work very hard, play with intensity and with incredible pace. [Xabi Alonso] has shaped Leverkusen into a unit – that`s what sets them apart. We`re playing at home and our job is to give our 50,000 fans an evening to remember.”
Such hyperbolic praise is often a psychological tactic, a subtle nod to the opponent`s strength while attempting to galvanize one`s own squad. Leverkusen`s formidable form will indeed be a stern test for Paderborn, but cup ties have a peculiar way of leveling the playing field.
Holders, Challengers, and the Relentless Pursuit
Current cup holders VfB Stuttgart earned their spot in the second round by barely “sneaking past” Eintracht Braunschweig on penalties. Their reward? An away tie at Mainz. Stuttgart`s Sebastian Hoeneß anticipates a gritty encounter:
“Playing in Mainz is always uncomfortable and difficult. It`s a cup tie and it`s all about being ready when it matters. We want to take heart from the fact that we always came through these types of games unscathed last season.”
Mainz coach Bo Henriksen, having just faced Stuttgart in the league, notes the value of familiarity:
“Our [Bundesliga defeat] in Stuttgart was evenly matched and we should have taken something from it. Playing the same opponent twice in three days enables you to familiarise yourself with your opponent. The atmosphere at the MEWA ARENA will be more important than our tactics.”
This tactical insight underscores the mental fortitude required for cup football, where a roaring home crowd can indeed become the most potent weapon.
The Magic of the Underdogs: Dreams and Realities
The DFB Cup is also a stage for the less heralded teams, the regional league sides whose journey is a fairytale in itself. Illertissen, a regional league club, faces Magdeburg. Illertissen`s coach, Holger Bachthaler, offers a dose of refreshing realism:
“Being in the second round as a regional league side is quite extraordinary. Realistically, if we played this tie ten times, we might only get one opportunity to come out on top.”
This humble assessment doesn`t diminish their ambition; it merely highlights the monumental task at hand, making any potential upset all the more glorious. Magdeburg`s Petrik Sander, aware of Illertissen`s previous giant-killing feat against Nuremberg, is taking no chances:
“The cup always conjures up surprises and we don`t want to be the victims here. If you knock out Nuremberg in the first round, you must be a quality side. That said, we have a clear plan and want to do all we can to reach the next round.”
Other intriguing matchups promise intense battles:
- Greuther Fürth vs. Kaiserslautern: A clash between two sides known for their passionate support. Thomas Kleine of Fürth emphasizes the home advantage, while Torsten Lieberknecht of Kaiserslautern calls for focus, noting that form in the league often goes out the window in the cup.
- Union Berlin vs. Arminia Bielefeld: Union`s formidable home record at Stadion An der Alten Försterei will be tested by a resilient Arminia Bielefeld, whose coach Michél Kniat believes they have a chance if they play to their recent standard.
- Darmstadt vs. Schalke: A battle of two historic clubs. Florian Kohfeldt of Darmstadt anticipates a “50-50 tie” with all the ingredients for a memorable night. Schalke`s Miron Muslić banking on solid defense and intensity.
- Fortuna Düsseldorf vs. Freiburg: Markus Anfang of Düsseldorf aims to “impose our game on Freiburg,” while Julian Schuster of Freiburg stresses the need for “maximum intensity” and patience.
Early Round Drama: Lessons from the Prior Days
The DFB Cup`s unpredictable nature was already on full display in the earlier second-round games. Borussia Dortmund survived a grueling penalty shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt after a 1-1 draw, reminding everyone that even top teams can be pushed to their limits. Meanwhile, St. Pauli pulled off a sensational victory against Hoffenheim, winning 8-7 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 extra-time finish, showcasing the raw emotional rollercoaster that is cup football. Hamburg`s narrow 1-0 away win against Heidenheim and Holstein Kiel`s upset 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg further cemented the narrative that in the DFB Cup, league standings mean little once the whistle blows.
The Road to Berlin
As the DFB Cup 2025/26 second round unfolds, the blend of tactical chess, individual brilliance, and sheer emotional grit will determine who progresses. The competition remains a vibrant testament to German football`s depth and passion, promising further drama on the long and winding road to the final in Berlin. Every match is a story, every goal a celebration, and every upset a legend in the making.
