Demichelis wins Leipzig debut: 6-0 rout of Trier in German Cup
Synopsis
Martin Demichelis could not have asked for a smoother start — a 6-0 demolition of fourth-tier Trier, two goals inside six minutes, and a clean sheet. The real test arrives next Saturday when Leipzig open their Bundesliga campaign against Borussia Monchengladbach, and Demichelis must show his ideas hold up against top-flight opposition.
Key Takeaways
Martin Demichelis won his first competitive match as RB Leipzig coach, a 6-0 rout of Eintracht Trier in the German Cup on 23 August .
Brajan Gruda and Willi Orban scored within the opening six minutes to set the tone.
Summer signing Rocco Reitz came off the bench and assisted the fourth goal, scored by Conrad Harder in the 76th minute .
Antonio Nusa and Ezechiel Banzuzi completed the scoring in the closing stages.
Leipzig next face Borussia Monchengladbach at home in their Bundesliga opener next Saturday.
Third-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach caused the day's biggest upset, knocking out 2025 finalist Arminia Bielefeld on penalties.
Martin Demichelis began his tenure as RB Leipzig head coach with a commanding 6-0 victory over fourth-tier Eintracht Trier in the German Cup first round on Saturday, 23 August, sending Leipzig into the second round with a statement performance at a sold-out Moselstadion in front of 9,000 spectators.
Fast Start, Full Control
Brajan Gruda broke the deadlock inside three minutes, and Willi Orban doubled the lead just three minutes later, giving Leipzig an early stranglehold on the tie. The visitors continued to dominate throughout the first half, with the third goal arriving in stoppage time when Ridle Baku's shot was deflected into his own net by Gianluca Pelzer.
Substitutes Seal the Rout
Demichelis introduced four substitutes around the hour mark, including summer signing Rocco Reitz. Reitz made an immediate impact, delivering the low ball that Conrad Harder converted for the fourth goal in the 76th minute. Antonio Nusa added a fifth in stoppage time before Ezechiel Banzuzi completed the scoring with the final action of the match, rounding off a thoroughly professional display.
What Demichelis Demanded
The Argentine coach, who replaced Ole Werner in the dugout, had set clear expectations ahead of his first competitive fixture. 'I expect a serious game from us, with and without the ball,' Demichelis said. His side delivered exactly that, conceding nothing and converting their chances with clinical efficiency against lower-league opposition.
Elsewhere in the German Cup
Bayer Leverkusen eased past Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0, while Hoffenheim also won 4-0 away at Erzgebirge Aue. In the day's biggest upset, third-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach eliminated 2025 finalist Arminia Bielefeld 3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time.
What Comes Next
Leipzig's attention now turns to the Bundesliga, where they host Borussia Monchengladbach next Saturday in their league opener. Demichelis will be keen to carry the momentum of this result into the top-flight campaign, with questions about his tactical setup likely to be answered in that higher-stakes environment.
Point of View
But it tells you something about squad depth and squad buy-in — both of which looked healthy here. Demichelis inherits a Leipzig side that has underperformed its resources in recent seasons, and the real question is whether he can impose a clearer identity than his predecessor. The Bundesliga opener against Monchengladbach will be the first genuine data point. Until then, Saturday's scoreline is a confidence-builder, not a verdict.
NationPress
23 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Martin Demichelis and why is he new at RB Leipzig?
Martin Demichelis is an Argentine former professional footballer who was appointed as RB Leipzig head coach, replacing Ole Werner. His debut came in the German Cup first round on 23 August, a 6-0 win over fourth-tier Eintracht Trier.
What was the final score in Leipzig's German Cup match against Eintracht Trier?
RB Leipzig beat Eintracht Trier 6-0 in the German Cup first round on 23 August, advancing to the second round. The match was played at a sold-out Moselstadion in front of 9,000 spectators.
Who scored for RB Leipzig in the 6-0 win?
Brajan Gruda and Willi Orban scored in the opening six minutes, before Gianluca Pelzer deflected a Ridle Baku shot into his own net for the third. Conrad Harder, Antonio Nusa, and Ezechiel Banzuzi added further goals in the second half.
When do RB Leipzig play their next match?
Leipzig open their Bundesliga campaign at home against Borussia Monchengladbach next Saturday, following their German Cup first-round victory.
What were the other notable German Cup results on the same day?
Bayer Leverkusen beat Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 and Hoffenheim won 4-0 at Erzgebirge Aue. The biggest upset saw third-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach eliminate 2025 finalist Arminia Bielefeld 3-0 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time.
