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29 March 2024

Leverkusen, Bremen suffer shock German Cup exits

Published
By AFP

Bayer Leverkusen and six-times winners Werder Bremen were both eliminated from the German Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday, but Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund eased into round two.

In their first competitive game under new coach Robin Dutt, Leverkusen, who were Bundesliga runners-up last season, were sent packing by second division newcomers Dynamo Dresden in remarkable circumstances, throwing away a 3-0 lead to go down 4-3.

Goals from Eren Derdiyok, Sidney Sam and Andre Schurrle had Leverkusen seemingly on easy street, but the hosts came back to force extra-time, before Alexander Schnetzler’s winner sent the 26,000 home fans wild with delight.

Meanwhile, Bremen threw away a one-goal advantage to lose 2-1 at third-tier outfit Heidenheim.

Defending Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund had no such problems, easing to a 3-0 victory at Sandhausen of the 3rd division

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice, with Japanese international  Shinji Kagawa also on target.

Wolfsburg are the other major name to be eliminated so far. Felix Magath’s men were beaten 3-2 at fourth-flight RB Leipzig.

Cup holders Schalke play on Sunday, and Bayern Munich are in action on Monday.