Ljubicic and Adamu score in Schalke's hard-fought DFB-Pokal win

Bundesliga newcomers Schalke 04 narrowly avoided an upset in the DFB-Pokal, securing a hard-fought 5-2 victory in extra time against fourth-tier side Hallescher FC. The win, which saw goals from Austrian internationals Dejan Ljubicic and Junior Adamu, was essential for Schalke to advance to the second round of the German Cup.

Ljubicic scored Schalke's equalizer in the 62nd minute, leveling the score at 1-1. Later in extra time, Adamu netted Schalke's fourth goal in the 105th minute, helping to seal the victory. The match was a testament to the challenges lower-league teams can pose to top-tier clubs in cup competitions.

Schalke's coach Miron Muslic will be looking to build on this difficult win as the team navigates its return to the Bundesliga. Alongside Schalke, fellow Bundesliga clubs Hamburger SV and Köln also progressed to the next round of the DFB-Pokal on Monday, though their paths to victory may have been less fraught.