Berlin, Ingolstadt progress on penalties in German Cup

Hertha Berlin came from behind to beat third-division team Regensburg 5-3 on penalties while Ingolstadt edged second-division side Erzgebirge Aue 8-7 on penalties at the first round of German Cup football tournament.

Hertha Berlin avoided an upset at the first round of the German Cup as Mitchell Weiser's equaliser forced Regensburg into the overtime and penalty shootout on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

The lower league side gave Berlin a hard fight though, as Alexander Nandzik secured a 1-0 lead within six minutes into the second half after hammering home from 18 metres.

Weiser restored parity in the 83rd minute after heading home a cross into the box.

Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein stopped Regensburg's fourth penalty from Marcel Hofrath before Salomon Kalou sealed the deal with the 5-3 from the spot.

"We got away with a black eye today but we played against a strong team," Hertha Berlin sporting director Michael Preetz said on Sunday after the match.

Elsewhere, Ingolstadt also avoided an early exit overpowering Aue on penalties.

The match was 0-0 at half-time.

Nicky Adler missed the seventh penalty for Aue while Tobias Levels converted the eight penalty to put the game beyond doubt for Ingolstadt.

--IANS

gau/sam/vt