TSG record rout against FCK to reach Second Round

TSG Hoffenheim have reached the Second Round of the DFB Cup after claiming a clear 6-1 win over third-tier 1. FC Kaiserslautern thanks to goals from Nico Schulz, Pavel Kaderabek, Joshua Brenet and hat-trick hero Joelinton.

Personnel and tactics:

TSG kicked off their campaign in a 3-5-2 formation. Gregor Kobel resumed the role he played last season as the Hoffenheim DFB Cup goalkeeper, while Stefan Posch, Kevin Vogt and Ermin Bicakcic formed a three-man rearguard that was expanded into a back five by Pavel Kaderabek and Nico Schulz whenever Kaiserslautern had possession of the ball. Julian Nagelsmann opted for Vincenzo Grifo, Leonardo Bittencourt and Steven Zuber in the three central midfield positions, with Adam Szalai and Joelinton up top.

The TSG players dominated the match from the first whistle and left no doubts as to whether they would reach the Second Round of the DFB Cup. The visitors, heeding their head coach's call to demonstrate the difference in class between the first and third tier, surged into a two-goal lead in the opening 13 minutes. Joelinton opened the scoring for Hoffenheim with his first competitive goal for the club on the six-minute mark, the Brazilian pouncing on a rebound after the Kaiserslautern shot-stopper could only parry Nico Schulz's earlier effort.

The full-back himself found his way onto the scoresheet a matter of minutes later, sliding in to meet a Pavel Kaderabek cross and double the advantage (13). Joelinton, who was making his first competitive start for the club, added a third before the half-time interval when he received a ball from Vincenzo Grifo and kept his cool in front of goal (22).

1. FC Kaiserslautern grew stronger with the score at 3-0 and pulled one back in the 33rd minute when Lukas Spalvis headed a free-kick from the right flank into the TSG net.

But Hoffenheim responded after the break and re-established their three-goal cushion soon after the restart through Pavel Kaderabek (51), before Joelinton completed his hat-trick to make it 5-1 two minutes later.

Julian Nagelsmann opted to make three changes during the second half, bringing on Justin Hoogma, Joshua Brenet and Ishak Belfodil to replace Leonardo Bittencourt, Nico Schulz and Joelinton. Brenet added a sixth within a minute of coming off the bench (63). Joelinton had set up the goal, playing the ball into the path of the Dutchman.

Hoffenheim subsequently had further chances to extend their lead but ultimately there were no further goals and the game finished 6-1.