Großaspach is thrilled: Cup game against Leverkusen with 10,000 fans!

Großaspach is thrilled: Cup game against Leverkusen with 10,000 fans!

Next week, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach will play against Bayer Leverkusen in the first DFB Cup game, and the anticipation in the small town is already huge. After a promising start in the Regionalliga Südwest, in which the team made people sit up and take notice with two convincing victories (6:1 against TSG Balingen and 4:1 against Astoria Walldorf), the team, led by Julian Schieber, former professional and now sporting director, is hoping for a surprise in the cup. Schieber describes the atmosphere as euphoric and emphasizes that any support from the stands is important for the players. Around 10,000 spectators are expected in the sold-out arena, which will give the encounter a special setting. Schieber highlights the charm of the DFB Cup and makes it clear that the motto for the game after Leverkusen is to enjoy the game and stand up to the opponent.

On the other hand, for Bayer Leverkusen it's about more than just winning. The Werkself, who won the league and cup double a year ago, are currently in a state of upheaval. Erik ten Hag is starting his first season as coach and has brought 12 new players on board to compensate for the loss of key players such as Xabi Alonso and Granit Xhaka. Rumors about the possible departure of other top performers such as Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz make the situation even more exciting. Of the new players, goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Jarell Quansah could make their debut in the DFB Cup. In addition, Patrik Schick has extended his contract and is considered one of the hopes for the offensive, where he is competing with Victor Boniface for a place.

The DFB Cup and the history of both teams

Bayer Leverkusen has had some success in the history of the DFB Cup. The last two titles were celebrated in 1992/93 and 2023/24, with the Werkself winning the cup in 2024 and being eliminated in the semi-finals in 2023. Großaspach, on the other hand, is a relatively unknown quantity in the cup scene; In their previous participations in 2009 and 2012 they were eliminated in the first round. This season they are hoping for a different outcome, as in the last five games in the DFB Cup games the decision often went against them. However, in a friendly match in 2015, they beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0, which could perhaps bode well for the upcoming clash.

The lineups and failures

Großaspach is expected to start the game with the following line-up: Reule – Landwehr, Aidonis, Nuraj, Mohr – Mistl, Celiktas (captain), Loris Maier, Tasdelen – Kleinschrodt, Eisele. Unfortunately, striker Rahn is out due to a broken arm.

Bayer Leverkusen could start with Flekken in goal and a defensive line around Tapsoba, Tah and Hincapié. The new captain will be Robert Andrich after Lukáš Hrádecký left the club. For this game, Leverkusen will have to make do without some of their regular players: Belocian, Hofmann, Palacios and Terrier are unavailable due to injury.

The game kicks off on Friday 6pm CEST and the excitement is building! Fans of both sides can look forward to a thrilling duel, which is particularly important for Großaspach to immortalize itself in the cup history book. Schieber and his team seem ready – the stage is theirs.