DFB-Pokal Review: Heidenheim and Hoffenheim progress to the second round

The two Bundesliga sides eased their way into the next round of Pokal with comfortable wins.

DFB-Pokal action continues on Saturday with a total of eleven games to be played before the SuperCup in Stuttgart. Heidenheim and Hoffenheim were among the Bundesliga teams to play their first games of the season today.

Hansa Rostock 0-4 TSG Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim, who won every game they played in pre-season, recorded a huge victory in the first round of the cup, but it was far from straightforward. Christian Ilzer’s side were only a goal up against Hansa Rostock until the final 20 minutes of the tie.

Wouter Burger scored on his competitive debut to put the guests in front in the 37th minute. Fisnik Asllani gave the assist, and the former Netherlands U21 international turned provider for the attacking midfielder’s goal in the second-half.

Substitute Max Moerstedt scored the remaining two goals after coming on with only 25 minutes left in the game. The 19-year-old striker is preparing for a breakout season after his superb U19 Euros display.

Bahlinger SC 0-5 1. FC Heidenheim

Fellow Bundesliga side Heidenheim also managed to win with a heavy scoreline while keeping a clean sheet against fourth-tier side Bahlinger. Leo Scienza, who could still leave the club before the end of the transfer window, put them in front inside the first ten minutes.

On loan from Bayern Munich, Arijon Ibrahimovic provided the assist on his debut. Scienza doubled his tally after the break, while substitute Mikkel Kaufmann scored before assisting Sirlord Conteh’s goal.

Before those moments, there were two decisive actions in the game. Mathias Honsak scored the goal that put Heidenheim two in front at the half-time break. And, Diant Ramaj, who is working towards his dream of becoming Borussia Dortmund’s first-choice goalkeeper, saved Holger Bux’s penalty-kick.