BERLIN: Borussia Mnchengladbach, Augsburg and Cologne enjoyed huge wins over lower-league opposition to book their places in the second round of the German Cup on Saturday.
Gladbach warmed up for its Bundesliga opener against Borussia Dortmund next weekend by routing fourth-tier Oberneuland 8-0, Augsburg thrashed fifth-tier Eintracht Celle 7-0, and Cologne enjoyed a 6-0 win over fourth-tier Berlin-based Altglienicke.
All three underdogs gave up their cherished home advantage for the games after finding they could not meet the stringent conditions set by the German soccer authorities to minimize the risk of coronavirus infections.
Up to 300 supporters were allowed at each game in Mnchengladbach and Cologne, while there were none in Augsburgs empty stadium.
Union Frstenwalde, from the north-east regional league, also gave up its home rights and was beaten in Wolfsburgs empty reserve stadium 4-1.
Leipzig had little difficulty in beating second-division Nuremberg 3-0 away, while Eintracht Frankfurt labored past third-division host 1860 Munich 2-1.
There were wins, too, for Bochum and Osnabrck at Engers and Todesfelde, respectively.
American midfielder Julian Green scored in extra time to help second-division Greuther Frth win at fifth-tier Meinerzhagen 6-1.
Union Berlin and Werder Bremen were among the sides playing later Saturday.
Schalkes game against Bavarian side Schweinfurt on Sunday was called off on Friday after Trkgc Munich lodged a complaint. Trkgc contends it should be playing Schalke as it was the local regional league leader ahead of Schweinfurt when the division resumed after its pandemic-induced break. Bavarian soccer authorities had already declared Trkgc promoted to the third division for the new season, making second-placed Schweinfurt the best Bavarian amateur side at the time of registration for the cup.
Defending champion Bayern Munichs game was put back to October to give the side more time to recover after winning the Champions League on Aug. 23.
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