Eintracht Frankfurt smash St. Tonis in record German Cup rout

By SABC Sport
22nd August 2026

Eintracht Frankfurt made a stunning start to their German Cup campaign by crushing fifth-tier SC St. Tonis 11-0 on Friday.

The victory gave returning coach Adi Hutter a winning start in his first competitive match back in charge and provided the perfect response to last weekend's heavy 7-0 friendly defeat against Brentford in London.

Frankfurt were ruthless from the opening whistle, scoring 10 times before half-time. It was the highest first-half score in the 84-year history of the German Cup and the club's biggest-ever victory in the competition.

Jonathan Burkardt led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Can Uzun struck twice. Robin Koch, Ayoube Amaimouni, Elias Baum, Younes Ebnoutalib and Mario Gotze were also on target before the break.

Fares Chaibi completed the rout with Frankfurt's 11th goal late in the second half.

Hutter praised St. Tonis for their approach despite the huge difference between the two sides.

"Regardless of the result, I want to compliment SC St. Tonis on a very courageous performance," Hutter said.

"They wanted to compete right from the off. By scoring twice from set plays, my players swung the game in exactly the direction I expected them to. The win was thoroughly deserved."

The Frankfurt coach was pleased to secure a comfortable passage into the next round but knows the Bundesliga will provide a much tougher test.

"I'm pleased we've reached the next round in such comfortable fashion. Next weekend we're at Union Berlin, where a completely different contest awaits us," he added.

Ansgar Knauff also praised the travelling Frankfurt supporters, who created a lively atmosphere during the one-sided contest.

"It's great that so many of our fans were there, and with a tifo to boot," Knauff said. "We played well and did what we had to do."

Frankfurt now turn their attention to their Bundesliga opener at Union Berlin, where they will face a very different challenge.

Elsewhere on Friday, defending champions Stuttgart began their campaign with a 4-0 win over third-tier Hansa Rostock. Debutant Dzenan Pejcinovic scored a hat-trick as Stuttgart advanced in convincing fashion.