Champion Dortmund knocked out of German Cup by 2nd-tier St. Pauli
St. Pauli's Etienne Amenyido (L) in action against Dortmund's Thomas Meunier (R) during a German Cup match, Hamburg, Germany, Jan. 18, 2022. (EPA Photo)


German Cup champion Borussia Dortmund was eliminated from this year's tournament following a shocking 2-1 defeat against second-tier leader St. Pauli on Tuesday.

Etienne Amenyido gave St. Pauli a fourth-minute lead from close range and Axel Witsel's own goal in the 40th minute doubled the hosts' advantage.

Erling Haaland's penalty just before the hour mark reduced the arrears, but St. Pauli hung on to reach the last eight and secure a first win over Dortmund in 33 years.

"We caused ourselves several problems in the opening 15 minutes and also conceded a goal straight away. That's when it gets difficult," head coach Marco Rose said.

"The way we went about trying to score the equalizer in the first half was a little rash. After going 2-0 down, we adjusted a few things. But the key issue is how we, as the holders, started this cup battle. We didn't get that right."

Bayern Munich was knocked out 5-0 by Borussia Monchengladbach in round two meaning that for the first time since 2011 at least one of Bayern or Dortmund will not be in the final.

Bundesliga side FC Cologne also went out to second-tier opposition as it lost on penalties to Hamburg SV after the tie ended 1-1. Bochum beat Mainz 3-1 in an all-Bundesliga clash.

In the night's other tie second-tier Karlsruher beat 1860 Munich 1-0 thanks to a Marvin Wanitzek penalty.