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Karlsruher SC, Kickers Offenbach, DFB-Pokal

DFB-Pokal: Karlsruher SC, Kickers Offenbach

Regionalliga side Kickers Offenbach caused a major upset in the DFB-Pokal on Monday, beating 2. Bundesliga outfit Karlsruher SC 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Karlsruhe had taken the lead twice through Marvin Wanitzek and Malik Batmaz, but Offenbach fought back on both occasions through Maik Vetter and Christian Stark before prevailing in the shootout.

Kickers Offenbach, who play in the fourth tier of German football, had never previously beaten a team from the 2. Bundesliga in the DFB-Pokal.

Offenbach took the lead in the 12th minute when Vetter headed home from a corner. However, Karlsruhe levelled 10 minutes later through Wanitzek, who pounced on a loose ball in the area.

Batmaz then put Karlsruhe ahead for the first time in the 55th minute with a header from a free-kick. But Offenbach substitute Stark equalised in the 75th minute with a low shot from the edge of the area.

Neither team could find a winner in extra time, so the match went to penalties.

Karlsruhe missed two of their four penalties, while Offenbach converted all four of theirs to secure a famous victory.

Offenbach will now face Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach in the second round of the DFB-Pokal on 18 October.

Conclusion

Karlsruher SC's defeat to Kickers Offenbach was a major upset in the DFB-Pokal. Offenbach, who play in the fourth tier of German football, had never previously beaten a team from the 2. Bundesliga in the competition.

Offenbach's victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and determination. They twice came from behind to level the match and eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout.

Offenbach's victory will give them confidence heading into the second round of the DFB-Pokal, where they will face Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.