BERLIN: Hamburg thrashed fourth-division Meppen 7-1 away in the first round of the German Cup on Sunday, while Bochum became the first top-flight side eliminated.

Hamburg, who won the European Cup in 1983 but have been in the second division since a first-ever relegation in 2018, were 2-0 up at half-time before scoring five goals in the second period.

Bochum lost 1-0 at second-flight Regensburg, becoming the first Bundesliga side booted out of this year’s Cup competition.

Top-flight Augsburg came from a goal down to beat Viktoria Berlin 4-1 away to ensure their progress to the second round.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2024