Berlin, Monchengladbach advance in DFB Cup

Hertha Berlin overcame second-division side Bielefeld 2-0 on the road while Borussia Monchengladbach crushed second-division team St. Pauli 4-1 in the second round in the DFB Cup.

Hertha Berlin overpowered second-division club Armenia Bielefeld thanks to two second-half goals on Monday. Bielefeld staged a well-positioned defence but remained too harmless over 90 minutes, Xinhua reported.

After a goalless first-half, where goal scoring opportunities remained a rare occurrence, Hertha piled on the pressure after the break to open the scoring with 74 minutes into the game. Berlin striker Salomon Kalou made use of Nico Schulz' square pass to tap in the 1-0 lead.

The "Herthaner" sealed the win 14 minutes later through Vladimir Darida, who unleashed a long-range shot into the far post corner to make it 2-0 on the scoreboard.

Elsewhere, relentless Borussia Monchengladbach hammered courageous St. Pauli 4-1 on the road. The "Foals" turned around a 0-1 deficit to wrap up a 4-1 victory.

St. Pauli shocked the visitors with the opener through Marc Rzatkowski, who capitalised on a fast break to slot home from 20 metres at the 33rd minute.

Monchengladbach took the reins after the restart and restored parity thanks to Ibrahima Traore' s build up play that allowed Lars Stindl to make it 1-1 in the 54th minute.

The "Foals" gained momentum and grabbed the lead moments later for the first time as Traore utilised Stindl's assist to make it 2-1. The visitors, however, were not done with the scoring as Stindl, who wrapped his brace, and substitute Thorgan Hazard rounded off the 4-1 victory to book the berth for the next round.