New Delhi: The DFB Pokal 2024/25 schedule is out. After a terrific 2023/24 campaign, the German Football Association (DFB) is preparing for the next season’s domestic competitions. Bayer Leverkusen had an unforgettable season, winning the domestic double (Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal). On the other hand, favourites Bayern Munich struggled in the previous season even though Harry Kane had an astounding debut season.

The Bavarians will look forward to winning DFB Pokal after four years while Xabi Alonso’s brave men will aim to win back-to-back titles. The opening day of a weekend packed with DFB-Pokal matches features German powerhouse FC Bayern Munich. On Friday, August 16, they will take on SSV 1846 Ulm, the youth club of their legendary manager Uli Hoenes, who have recently been promoted to Bundesliga 2.

The new Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany is preparing his squad, which includes stars like Harry Kane, Thomas Müller, and Jamal Musiala, for what seems like a straightforward task. However, there is a possibility that SSV 1846 Ulm, fresh from their promotion, could challenge and potentially disrupt the plans of the Bavarian giants.

DFB Pokal 2024/25 presents exciting matchups in Round 1

FC Phonix Lubeck had to wait 48 years for their second appearance in the DFB-Pokal, having been eliminated in Round 1 in 1976. The long wait is finally over, as they will face the 2024 UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, August 17.

This matchup presents a monumental challenge for the 4th Division team, as they prepare to go up against formidable opponents like Germany’s number 9 Niclas Füllkrug, Ivory Coast national hero Sébastien Haller, and Swiss international goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

On Sunday, August 18, 1. FC Saarbrucken, who reached the semifinals last season, will again look to prove their mettle in the DFB-Pokal. Their victories over Bundesliga giants like Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Borussia Monchengladbach have made Ludwigspark a fortress of sorts. The big question now is whether they can maintain this impressive form or if 1. FC Nürnberg, hungry to make their mark from Bundesliga 2, will pose a challenge for the 3. Liga side.

The top two teams from the previous Bundesliga season will kick off their DFB-Pokal campaigns a bit later due to their involvement in the German Supercup. On Tuesday, August 27, surprising runner-up VfB Stuttgart will travel west to take on newly promoted Bundesliga 2 team SC Preussen Munster. Coach Sebastian Hoeness will aim to carry forward the momentum from last season. With four players in the German UEFA EURO 2024 squad (Waldemar Anton, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Chris Fuhrich, and Deniz Undav), Stuttgart enters the match as strong favorites.

Closing out Round 1 on Wednesday, August 28, are Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions and DFB-Pokal winners. Following an exceptional season with just one loss (in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo) in 53 matches, the question remains: who can challenge them domestically?

Guided by the esteemed coach Xabi Alonso and bolstered by midfield dynamo Granit Xhaka, all eyes will be on Bundesliga Player of the Season 2023/24 Florian Wirtz (19 goals and 20 assists), Spanish star Alejandro Grimaldo (12 goals and 20 assists), and Dutch sensation Jeremie Frimpong (14 goals and 12 assists).