Berlin, Ingolstadt progress on penalties in German Cup

Berlin came from behind to beat third-division team Regensburg 5-3 on penalties meanwhile Ingolstadt edged second-division side Erzgebirge Aue 8-7 on penalties at the first round in German Cup on Sunday.

Hertha Berlin avoided a disgrace at the first round of the German Cup as Mitchell Weiser' s equalizer forced Regensburg into the overtime and penalty shootout.

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

Pal Dardai's men piled on the pressure, yet they had to wait until the 83rd minute before Weiser restored parity after heading home Vladimir Darida cross into the box.

Both sides were unable to score another goal in overtime, thus the penalty shootout had to bring the decision. Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein defused 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.

Elsewhere, Bundesliga club Ingolstadt avoided their exit as well after overpowering Aue on penalties. Nicky Adler missed the seventh penalty for Aue while Tobias Levels converted the eight penalty to put the game beyond doubt for Ingolstadt.

On Monday, Hannover, Hamburg and Dortmund step into contest to complete the first round in the German Cup. Endit