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Lars Stindl (left) celebrates his opening goal together with defender Joe Scally
Photo:
Alexander Scheuber / Getty Images
In the first round of the DFB Cup, Borussia Mönchengladbach prevailed in the traditional duel against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
In front of 5000 spectators on the Betzenberg, the Bundesliga club from Gladbach won 1-0 (1-0) at the third division club.
In the competitive debut of coach Adi Hütter, who succeeds new Dortmund's Marco Rose at Borussia, captain Lars Stindl scored the only goal (11th minute).
Although the capacity of the Fritz Walter Stadium had to be reduced to a quarter of the originally targeted number of spectators due to the corona, a loud, sometimes heated cup atmosphere developed in the arena right from the start. It was the same on the lawn: The initial phase was characterized by the high start-up of both teams, each quickly looking for their way to the top.
When the favorite from Gladbach found it for the first time, Stindl took the lead straight away: A cross from Patrick Herrmann headed Lars Stindl into the net at the far post (11th). However, Borussia did not succeed in calming the game with the lead in the back. Lautern's captain Jean Zimmer failed with a first dangerous finish to goalkeeper Yann Sommer (25th). Shortly before the break, Gladbach missed increasing the cushion on the opposite side: Herrmann's dropkick landed on the outside post (44th), László Bénes hit the goal net from 18 meters (45th).
After the break, Kaiserslautern succeeded again and again in creating danger with individual actions or quick, simple attacks, especially Mike Wunderlich and Kenny Redondo, who always started in depth, had good scenes.
The very clear chances did not materialize.
On the other side, Borussia missed the decision, Stindl failed with the best chance at goalkeeper Matheo Raab (84th).
Because the defense held tight, the Gladbachers are in the next round.
The draw for the second main round will take place on August 29th (6.30 p.m.) in the ARD sports show.
Before that, FC Bayern Munich will face Bremer SV in the last game of the first round.
The game had been postponed to August 25 (kick-off: 8.15 p.m.) after several corona cases had occurred at the top division.
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