Magdeburg reach last-16 as Illertissen’s Pokal dreams evaporate

Here’s how Magdeburg reached the last-16 of the German cup with a routine 3-0 triumph over fourth-tier FV Illertissen.

Despite a strong start from the Regionalliga side, it was Magdeburg who advanced to the last-16 with a 3-0 win. It took 10 minutes until Alex Nollenberger’s cross found the head of Maxi Breunig to guide home and delight hundreds of their traveling fans. 

The game was relatively end-to-end thereafter as both sides threatened to create chances. Illertissen goalkeeper Malwin Zok played an important role in repelling strikes from Rayhan Ghrieb, Connor Krempicki and a Breunig header. 

However, it wasn’t long before Magdeburg extended their advantage. Maxi Neuberger thundered into the back of Breunig in the box. Although Zok kept out the 25-year-old’s penalty, Marcus Mathisen followed up to hammer home the rebound for 2-0. 

Magdeburg didn’t let up into the second-half as they looked to kill off their hosts as Breunig rattled the bar from close range. Meanwhile, Nollenberger was denied spectacularly by an in-form Zok who remained big in the one-on-one situation on the hour mark.

FV Illertissen desperately tried to give their supporters something to celebrate. Glessing and Hausmann’s efforts highlighted a marked improvement from the Regionalliga side. However, the game was put to bed when substitute Noah Pesch sealed Magdeburg’s 3-0 win from a freekick routine.