Ljubicic double sends Union through in German Cup

Substitute Marin Ljubicic scored twice as Union Berlin came from behind to beat second-tier Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2 in the first round of the German Cup and give new coach Mauro Lustrinelli a winning competitive debut on Sunday.

Braunschweig twice took the lead through Max Marie, but the Bundesliga visitor responded on both occasions before Ljubicic turned the tie around late in the second half.

The host went ahead in the 11th minute when Marie reacted quickly to Martin Entrup's touch and finished low past goalkeeper Matheo Raab.

Union leveled in the 31st minute, with summer signing Zeno Van Den Bosch rising to head home Josip Juranovic's corner.

The second-tier side regained the lead nine minutes into the second half when Entrup again supplied Marie, who calmly completed his brace.

Union responded through another set piece in the 63rd minute. Ljubicic flicked on Juranovic's corner and Tom Rothe converted from close range.

The substitute then put Union ahead nine minutes later, reacting quickest after goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann had initially denied Ilyas Ansah.

Braunschweig pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Ljubicic struck again in stoppage time to secure the win.

Union begins its Bundesliga campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt next Saturday.

Elsewhere in the first round, fourth-tier SSV Jeddeloh II produced the day's biggest upset by stunning second-tier Heidenheim 5-2, while Rot-Weiss Essen knocked out St. Pauli 2-0. Bundesliga sides Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz and Freiburg advanced comfortably.