What is the DFB-Pokal?
The DFB-Pokal is Germany's national knockout cup, organized by the German Football Association (DFB). Clubs from the Bundesliga and lower leagues compete in single-match rounds, so a lower-division club can meet a top club. The winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League. It is often called the German Cup.
Why it's in the news
Rot-Weiss Essen supporters blocked the away section entrance with concrete before the club hosted RB Leipzig in an early-round DFB-Pokal tie. The incident has drawn attention to the fixture and to the visiting side's missing players.
- Essen vs RB Leipzig — Essen fans seal away section with concrete before Leipzig cup tie
Background
The DFB-Pokal is a single-elimination tournament for football clubs in Germany. Teams play one match per round, and a loser is knocked out. Clubs from the top flight, the Bundesliga, enter alongside clubs from the lower divisions and regional leagues. Early rounds often pair a top-flight club with a smaller side, which can produce upsets.
The current news concerns an early-round tie. Rot-Weiss Essen, a third-division club, is set to host RB Leipzig, a Bundesliga club, at Stadion an der Hafenstraße. Before the teams and visiting supporters arrived, Essen supporters blocked the entrance to the away section with concrete, according to Kicker via Yahoo Sports. Reports describe the move as a protest against the visiting side, and one headline describes the section as sealed shut. Leipzig was reported to be missing key players, including Nkunku and Estève, for the trip. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
The episode matters because it shows how the cup brings clubs of different levels together, and how rivalries and fan tensions can surface at these matches. Readers searching for the DFB-Pokal's history, winners, statistics, trophy or women's competition should consult the official DFB website or the sources listed below, as this page does not cover those details.
What people are asking
Who runs the DFB-Pokal?
The German Football Association, known as the DFB, organizes the competition.
Why is the DFB-Pokal in the news?
Rot-Weiss Essen supporters sealed the away section entrance with concrete before the club's cup tie against RB Leipzig. Reports describe it as a protest against the visiting side.
Where is the Essen versus Leipzig match played?
The match is scheduled at Stadion an der Hafenstraße in Essen.
When is the Essen versus Leipzig match?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
Which Leipzig players were reported missing?
Reports said Nkunku and Estève were missing for the trip.