After progressing in the cup: Magdeburg challenged at HSV

The progression in the DFB Cup has released new energy at second-division soccer club 1. FC Magdeburg. Following their penalty shoot-out victory at Holstein Kiel on Wednesday evening, they are now looking to end their negative run of six games without a win in the league. However, coach Christian Titz's charges face a mammoth task at Hamburger SV on Saturday (20:30/Sky). What speaks in Magdeburg's favor, however, are the statistics. The Saxony-Anhalt side have won three of their four competitive matches to date, including twice in Hamburg.

"We've had some experience against HSV in the past. But it's still a new round. We're up against one of the strongest teams in the league in HSV, who have enormous attacking power. However, we also know that we have elements to counter them with which we can win the game," said Titz on Friday.

The club had set up a short training camp in Hamburg after the Kiel game to spare the players the hardships of traveling. "It's important and good that we can focus on the game here, that the boys can regenerate, that we can spend time together," said Titz.