Stuttgart double up late to beat Paderborn in DFB-Pokal

Berlin, Jan 31, 2023 (AFP) - Stuttgart scored two late goals to run out 2-1 winners at Paderborn in Tuesday's opening German Cup clash.

Second-tier Paderborn, who currently sit seven points from the promotion play-off position in fifth place, hit the lead early through an own goal.

Former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos tried to pass to goalkeeper Florian Muller, but hit the ball too sharply, sliding it into his own net.

Paderborn, who have been promoted to the Bundesliga twice in the past 10 years before being immediately relegated one season later, held Stuttgart out and looked to be heading for a victory over their first-division opponents.

With just four minutes remaining, the visitors equalised through Portuguese midfielder Gil Dias, with Mavropanos playing a key role in the lead-up.

A last-gasp header from Stuttgart's Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy gave his side the winner in the fifth minute of injury time.

The goal was the Guinean international's fifth in his last seven games.

In Tuesday's late game, Union Berlin host Wolfsburg.