Alemannia Aachen are making their first appearance in the Pokal since the 2019-20 season, when they were defeated 4-1 by eventual champions Bayer Leverkusen. The Alemannen are targeting an upset against their top-tier rivals and a place in the second round for the first time since 2010-11, when they made it to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Bayern Munich.
The hosts have a commendable history in the competition, having reached the final once in the last two decades and consistently advancing beyond the first round from 2003-04 to 2010-11.
Heiner Backhaus’s team has started their league campaign well, with a win and a draw placing them sixth in the table. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded goals in both matches, could be a challenge against stronger opponents like Kiel.
Holstein Kiel, on the other hand, will be eager to assert their dominance over their lower-league opponents and set the tone ahead of their inaugural Bundesliga season.
The Storks earned promotion by finishing in the top two of the 2023-24 2. Bundesliga, a success under the guidance of manager Marcel Rapp, who has been in charge since 2021.
Rapp is seeking a positive outcome to boost his team’s morale after a mixed pre-season, where they managed just one win in four matches, with two losses and a draw.
The newly promoted side advanced past this stage last season and will be aiming to reach the second round of the Pokal for the second consecutive year.
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