On the rainy afternoon of August 15, 2025, the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena in Aspach, Germany, hosted an electrifying clash in the first round of the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal. Bayer 04 Leverkusen, led by new coach Erik ten Hag, faced SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, a club recently promoted to the Regionalliga Südwest. The match, interrupted due to heavy rain and hail, saw Leverkusen take the lead at the 32nd minute with a header from Patrik Schick, who capitalized on a precise cross to find the net. The game, now at the 44th minute of the first half, remains ongoing, with SG Sonnenhof showing resilience against the Bundesliga giant. The tension on the pitch reflects the stakes for both teams, with the hosts aiming to pull off an upset and Leverkusen seeking a strong start in the competition.
The match began with Bayer 04 Leverkusen controlling possession, while SG Sonnenhof relied on quick counterattacks. The heavy rain, turning the field into an additional challenge, forced referee Michael Bacher to halt the game at the 17th minute as hailstones covered the pitch. After resuming at the 18th minute, the match gained even more intensity, with both sides creating chances. The home crowd, undeterred by the adverse conditions, packed the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena, bringing vibrant energy to the stadium.
- Key moments so far:
- 1′: Match kicks off under heavy rain, with Leverkusen pressing.
- 17′: Game paused due to hail covering the pitch.
- 18′: Play resumes after field clearance.
- 32′: Patrik Schick scores with a header, giving Bayer the lead.
- 43′: Amine Adli receives a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Tight start in Aspach
SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, despite competing in Germany’s fourth tier, displayed solid defensive organization early on. Coached by Pascal Reinhardt, the team held off Leverkusen’s initial attacks, led by players like Patrik Schick, Amine Adli, and new captain Robert Andrich. The hosts’ strategy was clear: close down spaces in midfield and exploit the flanks with players like Mert Tasdelen and Fabian Eisele. However, Leverkusen’s technical quality began to shine, particularly through the wing play of Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella.
At the 9th minute, Mert Tasdelen of SG Sonnenhof tested the waters with a shot from outside the box, but Leverkusen’s debutant goalkeeper Mark Flekken made a confident save. Bayer responded soon after, with Piero Hincapié firing a long-range shot, also saved by goalkeeper Maximilian Reule. These early exchanges showed that, despite the gap in divisions, SG Sonnenhof was not intimidated by their stronger opponent.
Rain and hail challenge both teams
The game’s pause at the 17th minute was a defining moment. Extreme weather, with hail the size of golf balls blanketing the field, forced both teams to retreat to the locker rooms. The home fans, filling the stands at WIRmachenDRUCK Arena, stayed resilient, cheering SG Sonnenhof despite the conditions. The 15-minute break required a joint effort from the stadium’s ground crew to clear the pitch and ensure play could continue.
Upon resumption, Bayer Leverkusen returned with renewed vigor. Erik ten Hag’s side, aiming to establish his tactical philosophy in his official debut, intensified their pressure on the opposition defense. SG Sonnenhof, however, refused to sit back. At the 27th minute, a corner kick for the hosts created danger, with Fabian Eisele nearly equalizing in a rehearsed set-piece.
Schick’s goal shifts momentum
At the 32nd minute, the game’s turning point arrived. Following a well-worked move down the right, Arthur delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Patrik Schick, perfectly positioned, headed home to open the scoring. The goal, putting Bayer Leverkusen ahead, was a blow to SG Sonnenhof, who had been defending stoutly. Schick, a key figure in Leverkusen’s attack, showcased his finishing prowess by seizing his first clear opportunity of the match.
Bayer’s small but vocal away support celebrated the goal enthusiastically, while the home fans ramped up their encouragement, urging SG Sonnenhof to fight for an equalizer. Coach Pascal Reinhardt, actively directing from the sidelines, instructed his players to stay composed and exploit gaps left by their opponents.
Timeline of key plays
The first 44 minutes of the match were packed with high-intensity moments that highlight the competitiveness of the clash. Below are the main events:
- 6′: Ibrahim Maza wins a foul from Antonis Aidonis, creating an attacking chance for Leverkusen on the left flank.
- 12′: Nathan Tella heads dangerously after a cross from Amine Adli, but Maximilian Reule makes a strong save.
- 27′: SG Sonnenhof’s corner threatens, with Fabian Eisele nearly scoring with a header.
- 32′: Patrik Schick opens the scoring with a header from Arthur’s cross.
- 43′: Amine Adli is booked for a reckless challenge on Mert Tasdelen.
SG Sonnenhof’s resilience
Despite trailing, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach remains undaunted. The team, which earned promotion to the Regionalliga Südwest with a strong campaign, has shown it can compete against top-tier opposition. Players like Volkan Celiktas and Loris Maier have been pivotal in midfield, attempting to orchestrate attacks while containing Leverkusen’s advances. The defense, led by Antonis Aidonis and Benedikt Landwehr, has shown commitment, though they struggle against the pace of Nathan Tella and Amine Adli.
Coach Pascal Reinhardt, in pre-match comments, emphasized the need for focus and capitalizing on Leverkusen’s mistakes. SG Sonnenhof’s strategy appears to center on defensive solidity while seeking chances on the counter, particularly through the flanks, where Arbnor Nuraj has been active.
Erik ten Hag’s debut with Leverkusen
For Bayer Leverkusen, the match marks the official start of the Erik ten Hag era. The Dutch coach, renowned for his successful stint at Ajax, has introduced a tactical approach focused on possession and high pressing. The starting lineup, featuring Jarell Quansah, Piero Hincapié, and Aleix García, reflects a blend of youth and experience that Ten Hag aims to cultivate. The absence of players like Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, and Granit Xhaka, who left during the transfer window, has given opportunities to newcomers like goalkeeper Mark Flekken and defender Jarell Quansah, both debuting in the competition.
Schick’s goal, beyond securing the lead, boosts confidence in Ten Hag’s project. The coach, known for valuing knockout competitions, seems determined to take Leverkusen far in the DFB-Pokal, a tournament they won in 2023/24.
Fouls and cards heat up the game
The match has seen a fair share of physicality, with both teams committing several fouls. SG Sonnenhof players like Antonis Aidonis and Fabian Eisele have been involved in key infractions, while Leverkusen’s Amine Adli received a yellow card at the 43rd minute. Referee Michael Bacher has maintained strict control, aiming to keep the game in check despite its competitive edge.
At the 41st minute, Patrik Schick was fouled on the left flank, earning Leverkusen a set-piece opportunity. SG Sonnenhof, with consecutive corners, pressed Leverkusen’s defense but has yet to convert. The physical intensity reflects both teams’ determination to progress in the competition.
Atmosphere at WIRmachenDRUCK Arena
SG Sonnenhof Großaspach’s fans have been a standout feature of the match. Despite the rain and the forced pause, the home supporters kept their energy high, creating a lively atmosphere at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena. The stadium, with a capacity of around 10,000, is nearly full, with Leverkusen’s fans also present, though in smaller numbers. The combination of a competitive game and challenging weather has made the setting uniquely vibrant.
The chants from SG Sonnenhof’s supporters, especially after conceding, demonstrate their belief in a potential upset. The DFB-Pokal’s history of giant-killings fuels the hosts’ hopes, even against a Bundesliga powerhouse.
First-half timeline
The opening 44 minutes featured moments that define the match’s character. Below is a detailed timeline of the most significant plays:
- 9′: Mert Tasdelen’s shot from distance is saved by Mark Flekken.
- 18′: Amine Adli misses a clear chance for Leverkusen after Arthur’s cross.
- 27′: SG Sonnenhof’s corner creates danger, with Fabian Eisele nearly equalizing.
- 32′: Patrik Schick scores Leverkusen’s first goal with a header from Arthur’s cross.
- 39′: Volkan Celiktas’ shot is blocked in the box, one of SG Sonnenhof’s best chances.
What to expect next
With the match still ongoing, anticipation builds for SG Sonnenhof Großaspach to chase an equalizer, while Bayer Leverkusen aims to extend their lead. The Bundesliga side’s technical superiority is clear, but the hosts’ grit, combined with the tough field conditions, could level the playing field. Erik ten Hag is likely to maintain offensive pressure, while Pascal Reinhardt will rely on defensive organization and counterattacks to create an upset.
Broadcast live on Sky in Germany and platforms like ESPN elsewhere, the match has drawn attention for its potential for an upset, a hallmark of the DFB-Pokal’s early rounds. SG Sonnenhof’s performance so far suggests they won’t make things easy for Leverkusen, setting the stage for an exciting second half.