The tired derby heroes of Borussia Dormund had to fight until the end to avoid a cup upset. Three days after the intoxicating victory against archrivals Schalke 04, the clear favourites struggled greatly in their DFB round of 16 match against third division side Dynamo Dresden to win 2-0. SC Freiburg beat Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Köln 2-1 thanks to two early goals, despite also missing a second half penalty.
In Dresden, striker Ciro Immobile’s two goals in the 50th and 90th minute saved Borussia’s blushes. In form Marco Reus was carried off injured after 24 minutes. After a short while it was confirmed that he just had some bruising on his knee and the German international returned to the bench in the second half.
Immobile’s first goal was given to him on a silver plate by Dynamo captain Michael Hefele, who completely misjudged a square pass. In the 90th the Italian secured the win with a second goal. “These games are really difficult when the opponents play to their deaths in such a fantastic atmosphere,” said the match winner in an ARD interview. “It was very important to win so we can continue towards Berlin”.
Whilst Dormund reached their fourth consecutive quarter final, Dresden were unable to cause another sensational cup upset, having eliminated Schalke and VfL Bochum in previous rounds
Freiburg through thanks to quick-fire brace
In front of 18,800 fans in Freiburg, an Anthony Ujah own goal, followed by a goal from Vladimir Darida, guaranteed a place in the final eight for the home side. Darida failed to score another when his penalty was saved by Köln goalkeeper Timo Horn. The game excited throughout, but the late goal for Deyverson was a mere consolation for Köln.
After five games without a win the four time winners from Cologne, obviously with a lot to make up for, started with a much more attacking mindset compared to the 4-1 defeat away at FC Bayern München on Friday. FC managed to break down Freiburg’s build up play with reasonable success. After a few misplaced passes in the early stages, however, the home side regained control and found more and more gaps in FC’s defence.
Consequently the guests were not really troubled in midfield for the first 15 minutes; however this wasn’t the case in defence. After a corner from Jonathan Schmid, Anthony Ujah headed the ball into his own net and just a few seconds later Darida was celebrating after a classic counter attack from Horn. Deyverson’s dipping shot just before the end gave Roman Bürki no chance.