Former Bayern Munich great Bastian Schweinsteiger gave the defending champions a kind second round task in the German Cup when he drew them to host second division Magdeburg on Saturday.
It could have been worse for Bayern because all 18 top flight teams had won their first round games for the first time since 2008 to be in the draw pot of the 32 teams.
But while Bayern were spared a Bundesliga opponent, there will be four duels between top flight teams: Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen, SV Hamburg v Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne v Union Berlin and Paderborn v 2025 winners and last season's runners-up VfB Stuttgart.
The only remaining fourth-division team, Jeddeloh II, play second tier Hertha Berlin.
The second-round matches are played October 27 and 28.

#berlin #flight #first

The draw for the second round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal took place at the German Football Museum in Dortmund on Saturday evening, producing four ties between Bundesliga clubs and an intriguing reunion between defending champions Bayern Munich and 1. FC Magdeburg.
Bayern will host Magdeburg in a repeat of one of the more memorable cup shocks of the modern era. Then-2. Bundesliga side Magdeburg eliminated the record champions on penalties in the second round of the 2000/01 competition. This time, however, the underdogs will have to attempt another upset at the Allianz Arena.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund host Werder Bremen while 1. FC Cologne welcome Union Berlin. Hamburger SV face Eintracht Frankfurt at the Volksparkstadion and Bundesliga newcomers SC Paderborn host VfB Stuttgart in the remaining top-flight encounter.
Three sides from below Germany's top two divisions remain in the competition. Regionalliga outfit SSV Jeddeloh II, who stunned relegated Bundesliga club Heidenheim 5-2 in the opening round, were rewarded with a home tie against Hertha BSC. Rot-Weiss Essen host RB Leipzig while SG Sonnenhof Großaspach welcome FC Augsburg.
The second-round fixtures will be played on October 27 and 28. Exact kickoff times will be confirmed at a later date.

#bayern

Borussia Dortmund may have identified another possible replacement for the injured Giannis Konstantelias, with Polish talent Marcel Regula reportedly emerging as a serious late-window option. Polish outlet Meczyki.pl – as relayed by FT – reports that BVB have reached an agreement with both Zagłębie Lubin and the 19-year-old attacking midfielder over a possible transfer.
The deal is not yet complete, however.
Dortmund are reportedly continuing to **** s several alternatives before making a final decision, with **** nal youngster Ethan Nwaneri still among the options under consideration. Zagłębie and Regula are nevertheless said to be waiting for the Bundesliga club to give the green light.
Regula has already been linked with Dortmund this summer, with BVB interest first surfacing at the beginning of August. The Poland U21 international has also attracted attention from Cologne, who reportedly explored a move amid uncertainty surrounding Said El Mala's future.
A transfer fee of approximately €8m had previously been discussed for Regula, who currently maintains an estimated €7m market value in the latest Transfermarkt listings. The teenager could represent a comparatively inexpensive permanent solution for Dortmund after Konstantelias' serious knee injury forced the Dortmund administrative team to re-enter the summer transfer market after spending heavily to complete the squad.

#dortmund #reportedly #polish #summer

After months of rumors and speculation, Said El Mala has decided to sign a contract extension with FC Köln rather than make a move to RB Leipzig or Borussia Dortmund. El Mala's decision to extend his contract with the Billy Goats is an interesting one.
The highly regarded young attacker had attracted attention from two of Germany's biggest clubs, but instead stuck with FC Köln, where he should have a clearer pathway to being a starter.
For El Mala, the decision appears to be about more than simply joining the biggest possible club at 19-years-old. Playing consistently, taking on responsibility and continuing his development could ultimately prove more valuable than immediately competing for minutes at Dortmund or Leipzig.
Köln also represents an opportunity for El Mala to further establish himself in the Bundesliga and demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level. If he develops as expected, those clubs may not be the last giants to show legitimate interest:
Not only did El Mala sign the extension, but he was give the No. 10 jersey, which has not been worn in Cologne since the days of Lukas Podolski:

#mala #contract #biggest #clubs

FC Bayern Women made it 10 Bundesliga wins in a row with a commanding 5-0 victory away at Köln on Saturday, with all the goals coming in the first half. Sydney Lohmann got things going on 11 minutes at the Franz-Kremer-Stadion in Cologne. Klara Bühl then hit a brace either side of captain Lina Magull's finish, before Maximiliane Rall rounded off the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
The result moves Bayern on to 40 points in second place in the Bundesliga, just two points off leaders Wolfsburg, who come to Munich next weekend.
Head coach Alexander Straus made just one change to the team that beat Duisburg 4-0 at home last weekend. Goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs was available again after illness and replaced Laura Benkarth. Bayern were without Giulia Gwinn (cruciate ligament), Linda Dallmann (ankle), Carolin Simon (muscular) and Tainara (ankle) in Cologne.
The visitors started well and quickly made it clear that they intended to take all three points back to Munich. Lohmann came close to opening the scoring inside 10 minutes with an effort from the edge of the box, but was denied by the post. However, there was no stopping her only moments later when she pinched the ball off defender Celina Degen and found the far corner. Top scorer Lea Schüller could have doubled the advantage but was thwarted by goalkeeper Manon Klett.
Die Frauen continued to dominate the play and were finally two goals up on 22 minutes when Bühl drove in from the left and found the near bottom corner. The ball was in the Köln net again shortly after when Magull exchanged passes with Georgia Stanway to finish the move. Things weren't over there, either. Lohmann glided into the box on 37 minutes, getting past several defenders before laying the ball back to Bühl to tap in the fourth. And on the stroke of half-time, Rall made it five from Schüller's square ball.

#bayern #ball #cologne

Sebastiaan Bornauw has agreed to return to the Bundesliga by agreeing to join Hamburg on loan, according to Sky Germany. An agreement has been reached between Leeds United and HSV for the move with an option to buy reportedly worth €4-5m, with a medical scheduled for Monday.
The 27-year-old center back spent the 2025/26 season in the Premier League where he made 12 appearances for Leeds. Before that he had a four-year stint at Wolfsburg where he showed his best qualities and managed to attract plenty of attention. This move sees him get back to a familiar environment in the Bundesliga where he has also played for Cologne.
The Belgian defender has represented his country at all youth levels, while making four appearances for the senior side with his last call up coming back in 2023.
Having signed Swiss center back Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Leeds have decided to allow Bornauw to join Hamburg.
GGFN | Brook Genene

#leeds

Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly reached an agreement over the transfer of Ellyes Skhiri back to his old Bundesliga club, dramatically reviving a return that appeared to have been abandoned only weeks ago. Sport Bild reports the two Bundesliga clubs have settled the terms of a deal for the 31-year-old midfielder. The remaining obstacle is Skhiri's salary demand. Cologne are reportedly prepared to offer the Tunisia international approximately €1.5m per year. Skhiri currently ranks among Frankfurt's higher earners and has yet to accept the proposed terms.
Get German Football News reported in late July that Skhiri had been granted permission to negotiate a departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. The midfielder was omitted from Adi Hütter's training-camp squad after being informed that he no longer featured prominently in the club's plans. A return to Köln initially appeared one of the most logical solutions. That option subsequently seemed dead, however.
GGFN reported during Köln's pursuit of Wolfsburg midfielder Vinicius Souza that Skhiri was no longer considered an option at the RheinEnergieStadion. Köln had elected to explore alternative solutions for René Wagner's midfield instead. That position was reinforced again only recently when GGFN covered Sevilla's emerging interest in Skhiri. At that stage, Köln were understood to have dropped their pursuit entirely.
Skhiri's return would address an obvious need in Köln's midfield, where Tom Krauß, Ísak Jóhannesson and summer signing Paul Okon-Engstler currently represent Wagner's main central options. The veteran already knows the club exceptionally well. Skhiri joined Köln from Montpellier for approximately €6m in 2019 and developed into one of their most important players. He made 133 competitive appearances for the club and contributed to 28 goals before departing for Frankfurt on a free transfer in 2023.
Skhiri has since made 117 appearances for Eintracht, although his role declined last season. The additions of Raphael Onyedika and Noël Aséko have further reduced his prospects under Hütter. Skhiri also enters the final year of his SGE contract. The RheinMainAdler remain eager to cash in on the 86-times-capped international, who still maintains a €5m estimated market value. The two clubs have ironed out the terms of the transfer. Skhiri will still have to lower his salary expectations in order to facilitate the move.

#eintracht #club #return

Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Kerim Alajbegovic. The 18-year-old, who will turn 19 on 21 September, has signed a five-year contract with the Club, running until 30 June, 2031.
Agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for the definitive acquisition of the player Alajbegović
A wide attacking player capable of operating on either side of the pitch and equally competent with each foot, Alajbegovic arrives in Turin after an impressive season in Austria with Salzburg. There, he played an important part and accumulated 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 times and providing a further four ****** ists.
Kerim is dynamic and versatile, and his two-footedness makes him unpredictable for opposing defenders and dangerous on either flank. The Cologne-born Bosnia and Herzegovina international came through the youth ranks at Cologne, before joining Leverkusen. He reached maturity in Germany, earning call-ups for Bundesliga and Champions League squads, then heading out on loan to Salzburg.
Despite his young age, Kerim has already established himself at international level too. Having worked his way through the age-capped national sides, he quickly became a point of reference at senior level for Bosnia and Herzegovina, going on to make 11 appearances so far, scoring twice, including one goal at the recent 2026 Men's World Cup.

#bayer #salzburg #reached

The transfer of Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus Turin is on the verge of being completed. According to consistent media reports, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and the Italian top club have already agreed on the terms of the sale for the 18-year-old Bosnia international.
At present, only the forward's signature is still missing, with the deal expected to be finalized shortly.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Leverkusen are set to receive a base fee of around €33 million, plus possible bonus payments.
This makes the deal a complete financial home run. Last summer, the Cologne-born player had still been sold to RB Salzburg for two million euros. After his strong development in Austria, the Rhineland club activated an agreed buy-back option worth eight million euros.
By selling him on directly to Turin, Leverkusen are now generating a hefty million-euro profit — and that without Alajbegovic having played even a single competitive minute in the shirt of Leverkusen's first team.

#transfer #agreed #still #deal

Yesterday, it was reported that Borussia Dortmund had offered 1.FC Köln a transfer fee of €26million plus €16million in add-ons for Said El Mala.
Köln immediately rejected Dortmund's offer and now, according to the Geissblog, Effzeh have declared negotiations "ended" immediately.
The Cathedral City club's management is known to be demanding a €50 million transfer fee and the Cologne bosses are reportedly annoyed by BVB's approach.
Specifically, they “disagree with how Dortmund allegedly tried to influence the player to make a transfer more likely.”
By contrast, the Express senses, “rumblings are already circulating that El Mala will be under contract with BVB in a few weeks.”

#transfer #borussia #cathedral

Borussia Dortmund submitted a reported €42m bid including bonuses to Cologne for Said El Mala last week, which was quickly rebuffed by the Billy Goats. Sky Germany report that BVB offered €26m fixed + €16m in possible bonuses – €8m realistically achievable, and the other €8m unrealistic.
The bid, submitted last week, reportedly irritated Cologne bosses because it fell short of their €50m price tag set for El Mala. Additionally, the Dortmund's offer is a figure Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler refuses to let his prized ******* et depart the club for after his breakout campaign.
El Mala, who is interested in making the move to Dortmund, was lauded by Cologne head coach Rene Wagner for his professional conduct in pre-season training.
El Mala is a talented winger with excellent dribbling and playmaking skills. Many questioned why he was not called up for the German national team after his impressive display at Cologne. In total he has made 34 league appearances for Cologne scoring 13 goals and providing five ******* ists in his maiden campaign.
GGFN | Brook Genene

#cologne #mala

Serie A side Roma have now definitively missed out on Crysencio Summerville but are now ready to push forward for Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa.
La Gazzetta dello Sport that Gian Piero Gasperini is desperate for an attacking signing and Nusa is now the chosen target. An emergency meeting has been held at the club during which initial contact has been made for the Norway international.
They have spoken directly with Leipzig and haven’t used too many intermediaries. The German side made it clear that they want €60 million and would go down to only €55 million. That’s their take it or leave it response.
Roma believe Nusa’s salary is well within their reach. Newcastle United and ****** nal are interested but luckily for Roma, they haven’t made any moves yet. As a result, sporting director TOny D’Amico is expected to speak to the Friedkin ownership about making a formal offer as soon possible. If things don’t work out Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup and Cologne’s Said El Mala are alternative options.
It feels like any move from Roma would have to see them make an extra financial effort. Leipzig have always been very expensive sellers and the Giallorossi would have to meet the standards set by the sales of Benjamin Sesko and the incoming exit of Yan Diomande.

#side #serie

Kelly Osbourne paid tribute to her father Ozzy on the one-year anniversary of his death.
In a heartfelt letter posted to Instagram, she said, "One year ago today, the world changed forever," alongside a photo of the singer from the early days of his career.
"Today I sit beside you in a way I never thought would be possible. I know you are still with me. I feel you in the quiet, in the wind, in every song that stops me in my tracks, is [sic] the smell of your cologne and in every moment that the love outweighs the grief. You are all around me."
Kelly went on to admit life without her father has been "the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.
"You are my everything. My protector. My greatest teacher. My best friend. The apple of my eye. My reason," she said.

#year #Instagram

A year after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, daughter Kelly Osbourne posted an online tribute to him, confessing that even though he is gone, "I know you are still with me."
The TV host and singer, 41, Osbourne posted the emotional note on Instagram on Tuesday, July 21, marking the one-year anniversary of the late Black Sabbath frontman's death. Osbourne, 76, died on July 22, 2025, just weeks after reuniting with Black Sabbath for a final show in England.
"Today I sit here beside you in a way I never thought would be possible," she wrote. "I know you are still with me. I feel you in the quiet, in the wind, in every song that stops me in my tracks, (in) the small of your cologne and in every moment that love outweighs grief. You are all around me."
More news: Performer ordered to pay $1M in legal fees after Mary Bono royalties dispute
While the memories are cherished, they fall short of his presence, Osbourne continued. "The hardest part is that I can't touch you," she wrote. "I can't wrap my arms around you or feel the safety that only you could give me. I always thought life was hard, but life without you has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure."

#posted #know #still #thought

Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:VIK) is one of the Iran Peace Deal Sends Oil Lower: Top 8 Travel Stocks to Buy Now. During the last few trading sessions, Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:VIK) has seen positive momentum. On June 10, Bernstein ***** yst Richard Clarke reaffirmed his Buy rating on the stock and set a price target of $120. The firm's price target reflects a further 16% upside from current levels. As oil prices continue to decrease after the Iran deal, travel demand is expected to increase significantly.
On June 5, VIK announced the launch of a range of new European river cruise experiences. The new offerings include scenic Zepplin airship excursions in Germany, giving guests on select Rhine River cruises aerial views of Cologne and the Ruhr Valley.
Earlier, on May 22, Truist Financial upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy and raised its price target from $75 to $102. The firm acknowledged that its previous Hold rating underestimated the stock's performance. However, the ***** yst remains concerned about the valuation if travel demand weakens. Despite this, Truist Financial had a positive sentiment regarding luxury, river, and expedition cruises.
Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:VIK) engages in passenger shipping and other forms of passenger transport in North America, the UK, and internationally. It operates through the River & Ocean segments.
While we acknowledge the potential of VIK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

The schedule is out, and now we also know when the big clashes and derbies will take place that you definitely won’t want to miss. So get your calendars ready — here are the most important dates of the first half of the season.
Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart
Mainz 05 vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund
1. FC Cologne vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach

Liverpool’s search for another attacking addition appears to be gathering pace, with Fussballdaten reporting that Cologne winger Said El Mala has emerged as a player of interest.
The 19-year-old is understood to be valued at around €50million, approximately £43.1m, and is being monitored at a time when Liverpool are **** sing alternatives to Yan Diomande.
Diomande remains a high-end target, but RB Leipzig’s stance has complicated matters. The Bundesliga side are said to be demanding a huge €148m, roughly £128m, to even consider a sale this summer. For Liverpool, that makes the market more nuanced.
Andoni Iraola has already seen the club move decisively for Victor Munoz, after Liverpool hijacked Newcastle United’s pursuit of the Spanish international winger. Now, the focus may be shifting towards whether another young, flexible forward can be added to reshape the attack for the years ahead.
El Mala’s appeal is easy to understand. He is quick, technically sharp and carries a goal threat, with 27 goals in 81 senior games. That is a strong output for a player still in his teenage years.

Newcastle United have identified Cologne winger Said El Mala as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, according to the Daily Mail.
The Magpies also continue to monitor Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo ahead of the new season.
Newcastle are eager to strengthen their frontline after Gordon’s departure weeks ago and have turned their attention to some of Europe’s brightest young talents.
El Mala has emerged as a leading candidate, with Newcastle maintaining a long-standing interest in the highly-rated Germany Under-21 international.
The Magpies have already suffered one transfer setback this summer after missing out on Victor Munoz.

Said El Mala (19) scored 13 goals and provided five **** ists in 34 Bundesliga outings for Cologne in 2025/26, the German's first season in top flight football. The teenager's performances has attracted interest from the Premier League, and also earned him a maiden call up to the German national team.
Brighton were leading the race to sign El Mala but saw several approaches rebuffed, with Cologne valuing the 19-year-old at around €50m. Additionally, El Mala and his family vetoed a move to Brentford, which has paved the way for Europe's top clubs to enter the race to sign the teenager.
Bild report that Borussia Dortmund are toying with the idea of offering €35m plus two loan deals – one being Almugera Kabar (20), which also include purchase options, but Cologne are standing firm on their valuation.
However, GEISSBLOG have picked up Ben Jacobs' report that Liverpool have added El Mala to their shortlist. Should their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande hit a roadblock, El Mala is seen as an alternative for Andoni Iraola's side.
El Mala has since returned from his vacation in Greece and has started fitness training while, per GEISSBLOG, there is no reason for further discussions with the player's representatives as there are no offers on the table.

Six test subjects are being sought for a ***** e study in which they will live in isolation in a laboratory in the German city of Cologne for 100 days.
The study is being initiated by the European ***** e Agency (ESA) and will be carried out in spring 2026 by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
At the same time, the DLR is also looking for participants for a 60-day bed rest study on gravity simulation, according to a statement issued on Monday.
Participants in the isolation study will receive €23,000 in compensation. People between the ages of 25 and 55 are eligible to apply.
In addition to