Three Bundesliga teams knocked out in German Cup

Berlin: Werder Bremen, Borussia Monchengladbach and newly-promoted Braunschweig were eliminated by lower league teams in the first round of the DFB Pokal German Cup.

Bremen experienced a surprising 1-3 overtime loss to third division side Saarbrucken Sunday, reports Xinhua. Third division team Darmstadt upset Borussia Monchengladbach 5-4 on penalties following 120 goalless minutes. Both goalkeepers denied one penalty but, Monchengladbach`s Branimir Hrgota squandered the decisive penalty when he lobbed the ball on to the bar. Newly promoted Eintracht Braunschweig lost to second division side Arminia Bielefeld 1-2. Elsewhere, Hannover progressed into the second round with a 2-0 win over fourth division side Victoria Hamburg owing to the goals by Artur Sobiech and Szabolcs Huszti. Vedad Ibisevic donated a brace to secure Stuttgart a 2-0 triumph over fifth division team BFC Dynamo. Newly promoted Hertha Berlin carved out a 3-2 win over fourth division team Neumuenster thanks to the decider from Sami Allagui in the dying minutes of the match. Frankfurt overpowered fourth division side Illertissen 2-0 to book a berth in the second round. Defending champions Bayern Munich and Schalke will step into contest Monday. IANS