1. FC Union Berlin have been drawn to play FC Astoria Walldorf in the first round of the 2023/24 DFB Pokal.
FC Astoria Walldorf, who finished the last season 12th in the Regionalliga Südwest, qualified for the cup by winning the Landespokal Baden, beating 1. CfR Pforzheim in the final. Astoria’s greatest moment in the cup came actually the last time they were involved. In 2016/17 when they reached the last 16, having knocked out SV Darmstadt and VfL Bochum. They ultimately went out though, losing to Arminia Bielefeld on penalties.
“Certainly, we would have liked a game closer to Berlin for our fans,” said Union’s director of professional football after Sunday’s draw. “Nevertheless, we are looking forward to meeting an opponent we don’t know yet. Last year we saw how difficult first-round matches against regional league teams can be. The clear objective, however, is of course to make it into the next round.”
The sides were drawn live on TV by the German international pole-vaulter, Sarah Vogel and the DFB chief, Bernd Neuendorf. The first round of the Cup will take place from 11-14 August 2023, with the exact dates yet to be announced.
Further information on the fixture and ticketing details will follow.