Borussia Dortmund beat fifth-tier HEBC 5-0 in German Cup

Borussia Dortmund cruised into the second round of the DFB-Pokal with a 5-0 victory over HEBC at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Saturday. HEBC, who play in the Oberliga — the fifth tier of German football — started their Hamburg league season in mid-table.

The home side defended bravely in the opening half hour and occasionally threatened on the break. In the 15th minute, HEBC goalkeeper Jannick Schön made a stunning save to deny Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha from close range. Dortmund otherwise created few clear-cut chances.

The game turned in the 33rd minute, when HEBC captain Janek Vrede turned a cross into his own net under pressure. Before half-time, Swedish international Daniel Svensson and 18-year-old Samuel Inacio, who has already debuted for Italy's senior national team, both found the target. Fabio Silva added a fifth shortly before the hour mark.

Dortmund then slowed down and did not try to embarrass their semi-professional opponents. According to match statistics, the visitors had more than 100 touches inside the opposition box and took 36 shots. HEBC, notably, used a different goalkeeper in each half and conceded only once after the break.

Next up for Dortmund are matches against Hoffenheim and Spanish side Villarreal. Elsewhere in the first round, Borussia Mönchengladbach beat Schott Mainz 5-0 away, while Augsburg won 2-0 at Energie Cottbus. The round will conclude on 2 September, when Osnabrück host Bayern Munich.