Rosengarten-Buchholz W vs Zwickau W

With the scores locked at 33–33 after Malu Sperling powered home her fourth goal of the half (58'), Rosengarten were dealt a decisive blow. Jule Meisner received a two-minute suspension for a defensive foul, and Zwickau capitalised immediately — scoring the go-ahead goal at 58:48 while the home side were numerically weakened.

Playing with an empty net in the final minute, Rosengarten could not find an equaliser. Zwickau restored their goalkeeper to see out the closing seconds and seal progression to Round 2.

• Zoé Stens (Zwickau) — The left-back was Zwickau's most dangerous attacker in the second half, scoring at crucial junctures whenever Rosengarten threatened to pull clear. Her 29–30 and 30–32 strikes were particularly vital.
• Viktoria Hasselbusch (Zwickau) — A commanding presence at both ends, scoring three times in the second half and anchoring Zwickau's structure during Rosengarten's best spells.
• Lotta Christiansen (Rosengarten) — Scored multiple crucial equalisers from the wing, including two penalties, in a display of composure under pressure.
• Malu Sperling (Rosengarten) — The young back led Rosengarten's second-half charge with four goals, including the dramatic 33–33 leveller.
• Nantke Ackmann (Rosengarten) — The captain scored Rosengarten's first lead goal (21–20) and made a crucial steal (48') to keep her side in the contest.

The 67 combined goals (33–34) far exceeded the 13-match head-to-head average of 56.5 per game, reflecting the open, transitional nature of the contest. Rosengarten's 19 second-half goals — compared to 14 in the first — illustrated the tactical shift after the break as coach Dubravko Prelcec's side abandoned caution and played with higher risk in attack.

Zwickau's ability to score repeatedly in response to Rosengarten equalisers — particularly the 57th-minute penalty that restored their lead at 32–33 — underlined the difference in top-level experience. The Bundesliga side also capitalised on Meisner's suspension at the most critical moment, turning a two-minute numerical advantage into the winning goal.

The attendance of 234 reflected the early-season timing of the first-round fixture, though the atmosphere in the NordHeideHalle was noted as lively throughout.

Zwickau advance to the second round of the DHB-Pokal and continue their preparation for the Frauen-Bundesliga season, which begins on 30 August 2026. For Rosengarten-Buchholz — who reached the DHB-Pokal final as recently as 2021 — the narrow defeat offers encouragement ahead of their 2. Bundesliga campaign, also starting next weekend.

Rosengarten-Buchholz next face Bergischer HC away in the 2. Bundesliga (round 1). Zwickau travel to Frisch Auf Göppingen on 30 August for their Bundesliga opener.

A cup tie that delivered everything the competition promises: a lower-tier side refusing to respect reputations, a Bundesliga team showing composure when it mattered, and a single-goal margin that could have gone either way. Zwickau's depth and experience ultimately proved the difference in the final 90 seconds, but Rosengarten-Buchholz served notice that they will be a threat in the 2. Bundesliga this season.