Gladbach, Augsburg, Cologne enjoy huge wins in German Cup

Borussia Mönchengladbach, Augsburg and Cologne enjoyed huge wins over lower-league opposition to book ir places in second round of German Cup on Saturday.

Gladbach warmed up for its Bundesliga opener against Borussia Dortmund next weekend by routing fourth-tier Oberneuland 8-0, Augsburg thrashed fifth-tier Eintracht Celle 7-0, and Cologne enjoyed a 6-0 win over fourth-tier Berlin-based Altglienicke.

All three underdogs gave up ir cherished home advant for games after finding y could t meet stringent conditions set by German soccer authorities to minimize risk of coronavirus infections.

Up to 300 supporters were allowed at each game in Mönchengladbach and Cologne, while re were ne in Augsburg’s empty stadium.

Union Fürstenwalde, from rth-east regional league, also gave up its home rights and was beaten in Wolfsburg’s empty reserve stadium 4-1.

Leipzig had little difficulty in beating second-division Nuremberg 3-0 away, while Eintracht Frankfurt labored past third-division host 1860 Munich 2-1.

re were wins, too, for Bochum and Osnabrück at Engers and Todesfelde, respectively.

American midfielder Julian Green scored in extra time to help second-division Greur Fürth win at fifth-tier Meinerzhn 6-1.

Union Berlin and Werder Bremen were among sides playing later Saturday.

Schalke’s game against Bavarian side Schweinfurt on Sunday was called off on Friday after Türkgücü Munich lodged a complaint. Türkgücü contends it should be playing Schalke as it was local regional league leader ahead of Schweinfurt when division resumed after its pandemic-induced break. Bavarian soccer authorities had already declared Türkgücü promoted to third division for new season, making second-placed Schweinfurt best Bavarian amateur side at time of registration for cup.

Defending champion Bayern Munich’s game was put back to October to give side more time to recover after winning Champions League on Aug. 23.

Im credits: AP