The DFB Pokal, Germany’s most prestigious domestic cup competition, gets underway with a classic cup tie as Regionalliga side SG Sonnenhof Großaspach hosts Bundesliga giants and reigning champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The match is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, with a kick-off at 12:00 PM ET at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena in Aspach.
Sonnenhof Großaspach, a team with a strong local following, will be looking to pull off a monumental upset. They enter this match in impressive form, having been promoted to the fourth tier and starting their league season with two dominant wins. With an 8-0 victory in the State Cup and subsequent 6-1 and 4-1 league wins, their attacking prowess is undeniable.
The team, led by striker Fabian Eisele, will be relying on their home advantage and the electric atmosphere created by a packed stadium to put pressure on the heavily-favored visitors
Bayer 04 Leverkusen, meanwhile, begins a new era under new head coach Erik ten Hag, who took over from the title-winning Xabi Alonso. The team, who won the DFB Pokal in the 2023-24 season, has seen significant changes in their squad, with key players like Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah departing.
To compensate, the club has made several high-profile signings, including Jarell Quansah from Liverpool and Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven. This match will be the first competitive test for the new-look squad and Ten Hag’s tactical approach.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Sonnenhof Großaspach will likely employ a spirited, high-energy approach, aiming to exploit any potential lack of cohesion in the new-look Leverkusen squad. They will rely on their strong recent form and the momentum from their early-season victories to create opportunities, likely through direct play and set-pieces.
Leverkusen, despite a somewhat shaky preseason, is expected to dominate possession and showcase their superior technical ability. Under Ten Hag, their focus will be on a disciplined and controlling performance.
Key to their success will be the integration of new signings and the form of established stars like Patrik Schick. The match will also be a test for their new defensive line and goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who will be expected to handle any pressure from the home side.
Match Prediction
While a cup upset is always a possibility in the DFB Pokal, the gulf in class between the two teams is significant. The defending Bundesliga champions, even with a new coach and several new players, should have more than enough quality to overcome their fourth-tier opponents. The match will likely be a competitive one for the first half, but Leverkusen’s superior fitness and depth should see them pull away in the second half.
Predicted Score: Sonnenhof Großaspach 1-4 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
How to Watch Sonnenhof Großaspach vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Live Stream
The DFB Pokal first-round match is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, with a kick-off at 12:00 PM ET. The match will be broadcast on various platforms.
CountryLive Stream & TV ChannelUnited StatesESPN+United KingdomSky Sports FootballGermanySky Sport, ARDCanadaSportsnet*Broadcast information may vary based on your location. Please check your local listings for the most accurate details.
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