Bayern to begin DFB-Pokal defence at Energie Cottbus

Niko Kovac's Bayern Munich will visit a fallen former Bundesliga outfit at the first hurdle of their DFB-Pokal defence.

Bayern Munich should enjoy a smooth entry into the new season after being drawn against fourth-tier Energie Cottbus in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

Niko Kovac's men completed a domestic double by crushing RB Leipzig 3-0 in the final in May and begins its defence of the trophy with a trip to Brandenburg in early August.

Its opponent, former Bundesliga side Cottbus, is at a low ebb, having been relegated back to Regionalliga level just 12 months after winning promotion to the third division.

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Beaten finalist Leipzig will visit Osnabruck – newly promoted to the 2. Bundesliga – while Borussia Dortmund is set for a reunion with former player and ex-Germany international Kevin Grosskreutz at Uerdingen.

First-round matches are scheduled to be contested between 64 teams from August 9 to 12.