Union Berlin thwarts Braunschweig's surprise in DFB-Pokal

In a hard‑fought second‑round DFB-Pokal clash on 23 August 2026, Union Berlin overcame a surprise challenge from second‑division Eintracht Braunschweig, edging a 4‑2 victory at the Braunschweig stadium after mobilising their remaining Kräfte for the Sieg.

Surprise challenge from the Zweitligist

The Nachbericht Info ticker displayed the Aufstellung for all Spiele, confirming that the Erstligist Union Berlin faced the Zweitligist Eintracht Braunschweig in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. Stand: 23.08.2026 showed the match as a classic David‑versus‑Goliath encounter, with the Bundesligist needing to find its rhythm against a determined Braunschweig side.

Braunschweig came close to a genuine Überraschung, pressing hard and forcing Union to summon every last Kraft. Am Ende the Anzeigetafel read 4:2 (1:1) in favour of the Bundesligist, sealing the Sieg after a tense Spiel that saw both teams battling for every ball.

Union Berlin’s fight for the Sieg

Max Marie opened the scoring for Braunschweig at 11 minutes and added a second at 54, while Union responded through Zeno van den Bosch (31), Tom Rothe (63) and Marin Ljubicic (72, 90+4). Noah Katterbach’s shot rattled the crossbar, and Josip Juranovic’s header set up van den Bosch’s equaliser.

In the second half Union’s momentum grew; Maximilian Entrup’s pass found Marie for a 2‑0 lead, but Rothe restored parity at 2‑2. Ljubicic’s late header completed the 4‑2 finish, despite Braunschweig’s relentless attacks in the final minutes.

Next round draw and implications

Trainer Mauro Lustrinelli praised his Mannschaft for finding the win after a difficult first Pflichtspiel of the season, while Braunschweig’s Trainer Lars Kornetka noted his side’s spirited performance. The 2. Runde im DFB-Pokal will be drawn again with two pots, the draw scheduled for Saturday because of the Landtagswahl in Sachsen‑Anhalt.

For Union Berlin the victory secures progression to the next Runde of the DFB-Pokals, while Braunschweig must regroup after a near‑miss that could have been a historic Überraschung. Die fans left the Anzeigetafel with mixed emotions, aware that the Bundesligisten’s journey continues while the Zweitligist reflects on a valiant effort.