DFB-Pokal Second Round: Underdogs Aim for Surprises Against Top Teams
Several underdog teams in the 2025 DFB-Pokal second round are poised to challenge higher-ranked clubs with chances bolstered by recent strong form and fan backing.
- • Karlsruher SC hopes to upset Borussia Mönchengladbach, capitalizing on their poor Bundesliga form.
- • VfL Bochum aims to extend an unbeaten streak against FC Augsburg despite league struggles.
- • FV Illertissen, last Regionalliga team standing, targets surprise over 1. FC Magdeburg.
- • Arminia Bielefeld, Energie Cottbus, SC Paderborn, VfL Wolfsburg, and Fortuna Düsseldorf also prepare for challenging matches against higher-tier opponents.
Key details
As the 2025 DFB-Pokal enters its second round, various underdog teams are gearing up to challenge higher-ranked opponents, hoping to create some memorable upsets. Karlsruher SC, buoyed by a recent 4-1 win over Greuther Fürth and strong fan support with over 5,200 supporters traveling, looks to capitalize on Borussia Mönchengladbach's winless struggles at the bottom of the Bundesliga. Karlsruher's coach Christian Eichner expressed optimism for an upset in this fixture.
Meanwhile, VfL Bochum, despite languishing second to last in the 2. Bundesliga, is confident about continuing its unbeaten run against FC Augsburg, who recently suffered a heavy defeat to RB Leipzig. Goalkeeper Timo Horn highlighted the positive momentum under new coach Uwe Rösler as a key factor in their chances.
Regionalliga's last remaining side, FV Illertissen, seeks to upset 1. FC Magdeburg, who themselves are at the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga but come off a recent win. Arminia Bielefeld, fresh from a victory over SV Elversberg, aims to avenge last season's Pokal exit by knocking out Union Berlin. Though Energie Cottbus, leading the 3. Liga, faces a daunting game against Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, the team remains determined to fight hard.
SC Paderborn enters their match against Bayer Leverkusen full of confidence, riding a six-match winning streak. VfL Wolfsburg hopes to overturn a recent poor run when facing Holstein Kiel, while Fortuna Düsseldorf, currently in crisis under new management, prepares to face SC Freiburg as clear underdogs.
These encounters highlight the drama and unpredictability fans cherish in the DFB-Pokal, with underdogs armed with recent good form and spirited fan support aiming to defy expectations and advance further in the competition. Key second round matches, including Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC vs. SV Elversberg, are scheduled for tonight and available live on Sky and other platforms, emphasizing the widespread interest in this year's cup battles.