FC Augsburg beat Energie Cottbus 2-0 in the DFB-Pokal, with their 3-4-2-1 structure overcoming the hosts’ greater share of possession and sustained attacking output. Cottbus operated in a 4-2-3-1 and held 60% of the ball, but Augsburg’s compact shape and efficiency proved decisive in a match where the underlying numbers were closely balanced. The visitors recorded 2.32 xG from 20 shots, while Cottbus generated 2.16 xG from 21 attempts, showing that the scoreline did not fully reflect the home side’s opportunities. Anton Kade scored one of Augsburg’s two goals, providing the clearest attacking contribution listed for the Bundesliga club. Goalkeeping also separated the teams: Augsburg’s goalkeeper saved all six shots on target for a 100% save rate, whereas Cottbus faced seven efforts on target and registered a 71.43% save percentage. Augsburg’s wing-back system offered enough defensive coverage to withstand pressure while maintaining a threat through their two supporting attackers, allowing them to manage the tie despite having only 40% possession. Augsburg advance with an efficient and defensively secure cup performance.