In the historically first DFB Pokal duel between both teams, especially the Eisernen started with high intensity, pressing the hosts often very high and thereby provoking the long pass or, in the best case, regaining possession of the ball. They were able to create some early chances as well, but Tim Skarke (7th) and Janik Haberer (16th) were unsuccessful on two occasions. The same applied to former Unioner Marius Bülter, who sent the first chance for FC into the arms of Rönnow's substitute Matheo Raab after 21 minutes. Four minutes later, it was again Raab's arms that prevented the deficit: he deflected Linton Maina's attempt in a one-on-one duel decisively onto the post.

In the constant back and forth, just before the half-hour mark, it was again the Köpenickers who were dreaming of taking the lead through Zeno Van den Bosch, but Köln's Marvin Schwäbe reacted strongly to parry the Belgian's header.

In a highly intense match until that point, the next shot on goal was, unfortunately from Union's perspective, lodged in the wrong net. A quick counterattack was finished off by Saïd El Mala from close range into the far corner (32nd). With strong timing and an even better reflex, the next duel between the goalscorer and Union's Raab would then go to the goalkeeper (43rd).

Shortly thereafter, the first half ended with a score of 0-1 from the perspective of 1. FC Union Berlin.

With a visible determination to quickly equalize the deficit, the Lustrinelli team began the second half; Tim Skarke's direct shot after a Gray assist ended up in the side netting (50.). A few seconds later, however, the ball was in the net at the other end, after Linton Maina had tapped in a cross from S. El Mala with the tip of his foot (52.). Köln's national player collected his third assist of the evening eight minutes later at 3-0, when he - this time attacking from the right side - curled the ball into the far corner beyond reach.

After a quieter phase without many penalty area scenes, the Eisernen had to concede the fourth goal in the 79th minute. Isak Johannesson, who had been substituted in shortly before, converted a Bülter cross in the six-yard box to make it decisive. Another FC substitute, Sebastian Sebulonsen, put the final touch to the match with his 5-0 just moments before the final whistle.

“We actually started well, but after halftime we completely lost our thread. We can only apologize to our fans for that. The attitude is there, but it was simply a poor performance. Now we have to pick ourselves up and do significantly better on Sunday,” said Rani Khedira.  

“The first half hour was really good. After halftime, we had many ball losses, lost focus, and for Köln, every shot was on target. For the future, we need to find solutions, and fortunately, we have a game against the same opponent in a few days,” evaluates Mauro Lustrinelli the match.