Cottbus wants everything from Augsburg .

Energie Cottbus has been eliminated from the first round of the DFB-Pokal after a narrow 2-0 defeat to FC Augsburg at the stadium in Cottbus. The match ended with the score of 0:2 (0:0) in favor of the Bundesliga side, despite Energie putting up a spirited performance and showing resilience throughout the game. Anton Kade opened the scoring for Augsburg in the 49th minute, and Kristijan Jakić added the second goal in stoppage time, sealing the victory for the visitors. The encounter took place on August 22, 2026, at the local stadium, marking the start of the DFB-Pokal campaign. While Energie did not replicate the surprise victory they achieved against Hannover 96 last year, their performance was still commendable. They matched the quality of the Bundesliga team during the early stages of the match, creating several dangerous chances and keeping the hosts under pressure. Players such as Moritz Hannemann, Christian Kinsombi, and King Manu were particularly effective in the first half, forcing Augsburg into defensive adjustments. FC Augsburg’s coach, Manuel Baum, had anticipated the challenge posed by Energie, noting the team's strength and the advantage of having played two games already. In preparation for the match, he used audio recordings of Cottbus fans' chants during training sessions, aiming to simulate the atmosphere the visitors would face. This tactic was meant to help his players acclimate to the intensity of the home crowd, which had been vocal and supportive throughout the match. From the outset, the Cottbus supporters created a loud and enthusiastic environment, contributing significantly to the energy of the game. Their presence was felt immediately, as Energie displayed composure and confidence, often matching the pace and intensity of the visiting squad. The home side’s midfield and forwards consistently threatened the Augsburg defense, with several near-misses and moments of brilliance. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Augsburg found their rhythm shortly after the break, capitalizing on a moment of weakness in Energie’s defense. Anton Kade’s clinical finish in the 49th minute broke the deadlock, and the visitors quickly settled into their stride. Despite Energie’s efforts to respond, including missed opportunities from Kinsombi and a late chance from Henry Rorig, Augsburg maintained control of the game. The match saw several tactical changes from both sides, with Energie making substitutions in an attempt to regain balance. However, the visitors remained more composed and structured, ultimately securing the win. The result leaves Energie Cottbus out of the competition, though their display demonstrated their potential and determination. The outcome will have implications for both teams moving forward. For Energie, the loss means they must regroup and focus on their league campaign, while Augsburg advances to the next stage of the tournament. The match highlighted the challenges faced by lower-tier teams against top-flight opponents, yet also showcased the spirit and tenacity of Energie Cottbus. As the DFB-Pokal continues, the focus shifts to the remaining participants, eager to make their mark in the competition.