Schalke and Leverkusen eased their way into the last 16 of the Cup against Hannover and Augsburg. 1860 München put out Duisburg on penalties.
FC Schalke 04 - Hannover 96 2:0 (0:0)
With two goals from German international Heiko Westermann, Bundesliga leaders Schalke eased their way into the third round of the German Cup past an injury-hit Hannover, who had tried in vain to get the game postponed. Westermann's pair - his fourth and fifth scores of the season - extended Schalke's long run of home wins in the cup. They last lost at home in the Cup in 1996.
Given their weakened opposition, Schalke failed to impress in front of 50,000 spectators. They kept control but created few chances. Schalke coach Fred Rutten was satisfied with the result: “Our defence allowed them no chances and we dominated the second half.”
Hannover coach Dieter Hecking had praise for his weakened team: “They were disciplined and that was encouraging. We wanted to keep things tight and we did …. If the header chance for Frank Fahrenhorst had done in, that could have totally turned the game.
FC Augsburg - Bayer Leverkusen 0:2 (0:1)
Bayer Leverkusen had little trouble in going through to the third round for the first time in five years. A dream goal from striker Stefan Kießling and a late tap-in by Arturo Vidal gave them a deserved 2:0 away win over Augsburg.of the 2.Bundesliga. They showed their class and dominated in the first half, but gave their timid hosts moments of hope through carelessness later in the game.
In the 36th minute, after a headed lay-off from fellow striker Patrick Helmes, Kießling spotted Augsburg keeper Wassili Chomutowski well out of his goal. He blasted the ball in from 33 metres. Other first half chances went begging.
TSV 1860 München - MSV Duisburg 5:4 on penalties (0:0)
It's been a disappointing season so far for the two Munich clubs. But 1860 München made up for their poor performance in the 2. Bundesliga by securing a place in the last 16 of the cup. They KO'd 2.Bundesliga rivals MSV Duisburg on penalties after two hours of goalless football.
Hero of the night was former German international Daniel Bierofka who slotted home the crucial spot kick to take 1860 through 5:4 on penalties.
32 teams left
Three players fall at final hurdle
Final deal at 21:21