After the cup is before the cup: After last season’s nerve-wracking final on 25 May in Berlin, the DFB Cup was now back on the starting blocks and promised some thrilling football moments. The first round is always the biggest organisational challenge for us. On one weekend, 60 clubs meet in 30 matches. All stadiums have to be ready to play on time and at the same time – a logistical feat that only works with true teamwork. History has shown that surprises in the first round of the cup are not uncommon. But this year, the big clubs in particular seemed to have nerves of steel. Offenbacher Fußball Club Kickers 1901 GmbH were the only amateur club to secure a place in the second main round. With a total of over 30 dedicated APA employees and a set-up crew of over 100 technicians, we were able to complete this mammoth task in just one week. A real challenge that demanded everything from us, but in the end provided some unforgettable moments. Two games are still to come and we are excited to see who will secure the last two places for the second DFB Cup main round. Photos: IMAGO