Grosswallstadt vs HBW Balingen-Weilstetten

The match turned inside a decisive five-minute spell midway through the second half. Grosswallstadt had pulled to 26-30 through Eisenträger's penalty in the 47th minute and sensed a path back into the tie. But Balingen struck twice in quick succession — Raguse at 48' and Pfattheicher from the spot at 52' — to restore a six-goal buffer (35-29). A timeout from Grosswallstadt coach André Lohrbach at 56' briefly stemmed the flow but could not reverse it.

Sascha Pfattheicher (HBW Balingen-Weilstetten) — The prolific right-back was the match-winner, scoring repeatedly from distance and from the penalty spot. His composure from seven metres in the closing stages snuffed out any prospect of a Grosswallstadt comeback. The 2. Bundesliga's top scorer from last season looks ready for the step up.

Mex Raguse (HBW Balingen-Weilstetten) — A constant threat from the left back position, Raguse scored key goals in the second half (51', 56') and added a steal (56') that set up another score. His all-round contribution was vital.

Yessine Meddeb (TV Grosswallstadt) — The Tunisian playmaker was Grosswallstadt's principal creative force, providing assists for Joel Zimmer (58'), Axel Skarnas (51') and Ole Klimpke (45') among others. His vision kept the home attack moving even when the game slipped away.

Balingen's half-time lead of 21-16 reflected a first period in which they shot at a significantly higher conversion rate. The final tally of 38 goals against suggests Grosswallstadt's defence — which held firm in spells after the break — struggled to contain Balingen's depth of attacking options, particularly from the back positions. The seven-goal margin matched the pattern of last season's 2. Bundesliga meetings, where Balingen won 34-30 at the Untermainhalle and 38-30 at home.

Balingen advance to the second round of the DHB Pokal as they prepare for life in the top flight. For Grosswallstadt, attention now turns to the 2. Bundesliga season ahead. The result extends Balingen's recent dominance in this fixture — they have now won 14 of the 22 recorded meetings between the sides since 2006, against seven for Grosswallstadt, with a goal difference of 626-584 across all competitions.

A thoroughly professional cup performance from the Bundesliga newcomers. Balingen never allowed Grosswallstadt to build sustained momentum after the interval and punished every defensive lapse with clinical finishing. The gap between the divisions told, but Grosswallstadt's second-half response — particularly through Meddeb and the lively Johan Rohwer — offered signs that they can compete in 2. Bundesliga this season.