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A much-changed Bayer Leverkusen defeated fourth division team Carl Zeiss Jena 1-0 as their German Cup title defence started on Wednesday. Coach Xabi Alonso made seven changes to his starting line-up following their successful start in the Bundesliga last Friday with a 3-2 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After hitting the post in a goalless first half, Leverkusen broke the deadlock through Jonas Hofmann, who had plenty of space in the area to finish off a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo. “We know that we were not good enough. In the end, we made it through, that’s what matters. But we have …

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