Gladbach cruise into the second round: Cup victory at fifth-tier side TSV Schott Mainz

Defensive stability around Moritz Nicolas

At the start of the second half this impression continued. When Schulz had to rescue matters in the 46th minute against Hugo Bolin with a double save, it underlined Gladbach's ambition to remain alert in every phase of the match. Bolin was one of the more noticeable players for Mainz, but found no way past the defence inside the Gladbach penalty area.

On the attacking side, it was above all Lukas Ullrich and Tim Kleindienst who provided impetus, ensuring structure and goal threat together with Daiki Hashioka. The trio dictated the tempo after winning the ball and ensured that the Mainz defence was under pressure throughout the match. The TSV Schott players pushed back against the looming defeat, but could no longer call the result into question.

Attack built around Ullrich, Kleindienst and Hashioka

Head coach Eugen Polanski had classified the match as a clear away assignment in the cup and fielded a settled starting line-up. The team followed the plan of taking control early and not leaving the result open. In the end it was a comfortable success that opens up the prospect of the second round of the cup.

By advancing to the second round, the Bundesliga club from Mönchengladbach remain part of the competition's extended field of participants. The team thus avoids the early exit that had repeatedly produced surprises in previous years. For Mainz, taking part in the DFB-Pokal remains a sporting highlight, even though their journey ends after the first round.

Outlook on the second round

For the upcoming tasks in the Bundesliga and the cup, Polanski can draw on a deep bench. The performance at the fifth-division side showed that the squad has sufficient depth to handle their schedule properly. In the coming weeks Gladbach face competitive fixtures on several competition levels, in which that depth will have to prove itself.

Overall, it can be said that Borussia fulfilled their role as clear favourites in this match without any wobbles. Mainz were able to land the odd blow, but overall lacked the penetration to seriously trouble Gladbach. Progressing to the second round matches what is expected of a Bundesliga side in a duel with a fifth-division team.