FC Viktoria Berlin eliminated from DFB-Pokal by Bayer Leverkusen

FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin was eliminated from the DFB-Pokal after losing 0-2 in extra time to top-tier side Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Despite a competitive performance that remained scoreless through 90 minutes, Maja Sternad scored in the 93rd and 101st minutes to secure the win for Leverkusen. Viktoria Berlin played the final stages of the match with ten players after goalkeeper Michele Tschudin left the field due to injury.

FC Viktoria Berlin operates under a unique organizational model, having been established as an independent entity in 2022. Founded by six female investors, including two-time world champion Ariane Hingst, the women's department was spun off into a separate company to ensure independence from the men's team. Inspired by the American club Angel City FC, the team aims to drive social change and innovation within German football through a startup-style management approach.