Bundesliga side 1. FC Union Berlin began their DFB-Pokal campaign with a ruthless 0-5 victory over lower-league side Gutersloh on August 16, 2025. The match, a classic cup tie against a regional opponent, saw the top-flight team assert their dominance early and cruise into the next round. Union Berlin opened the scoring within the first fifteen minutes and never relinquished control, adding a second before halftime. The floodgates opened in the second period as Union's superior fitness and quality told, with three more goals completing the rout. Despite a valiant effort from the hosts, the gulf in class was evident. This result sees Union Berlin safely through to the second round of Germany's premier cup competition, avoiding any potential upset in a match they were expected to win comfortably.