'Other' Munich upset Hoffenheim in German Cup

The omens weren't good for the other team to play in the Allianzarena coming into their German Cup round 1 game against first-division Hoffenheim. 1860 Munich stood second-to-last in the second division, having failed to score in or claim a point in both of their matches this season.

But in the sweltering summer heat, Hoffenheim proved tame opposition for the Lions. The rebuilding 1899ers let a host of attacking players depart this summer, including Sejad Salihovic, Anthony Modeste and most notably Roberto Firmino, the subject of a record transfer to Liverpool. And their lack of creativity in midfield was impossible to overlook.

It took until shortly before the break for Jonathan Schmid - a new arrival from Freiburg who otherwise seemed disoriented and failed to make an impact - to generate Hoffenheim's first real chance on goal.

Instead it was the second-division underdogs who looked more incisive and dangerous - a tendency that continued unabated in the second half. And in minute 51, the Lions went in for the kill with a well-worked counter-attack. Midfielder Daylon Claasen rifled the ball past keeper Oliver Baumann to give 1860 the lead.

Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol substituted in all of his attacking options, including former German national Kevin Kuranyi, who made his return to German football after leaving for Russia five years ago. But to no avail as the favored visitors failed to threaten the hard-running Lions.

"It's a very young team that needs trust," 1860 coach Torsten Fröhling said after the upset. "But they're very able and willing to learn."

Hulking striker Fejsal Mulic sealed the 2-0 win after a Munich three-on-one versus Baumann in the added time. 1860 book their place in round 2 of the German Cup and will hope to carry momentum into the second division. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim will be questioning the strength of their squad ahead of the Bundesliga restart next weekend.

In the evening action, third-division Kiel took an early lead over Stuttgart but couldn't replicate 1860's heroics. Stuttgart eventually prevailed 2-1, thanks to goals by Daniel Didavi and Daniel Ginczek.

And in the wildest match of the Cup thus far, fifth-division Reutlingen upset second-division Karlsruhe 3-1. Reutlingen converted no fewer than three penalties, while Karlsruhe picked up three red cards.