VfB Stuttgart, the reigning champions, clinched a decisive 3-0 victory against Holstein Kiel, a team from the second division, to advance to the German Cup semi-finals. The match saw a scoreless first half before Stuttgart's offensive power came alive in the latter part of the game, ultimately securing their place in the next round. This essential win reinforces their ambition in the cup competition, as they continue their journey alongside other top contenders.
Stuttgart's Clinical Performance Seals DFB Cup Semi-Final Spot
On a Wednesday evening in early February 2026, VfB Stuttgart faced Holstein Kiel in a gripping DFB Cup quarter-final at Holstein Stadium. The initial 45 minutes of the match were a hard-fought battle, with neither side managing to find the back of the net. However, the deadlock was emphatically broken in the 57th minute by Stuttgart's Deniz Undav. Following a precise free-kick from Bilal El Khannouss, captain Atakan Karazor headed the ball towards Undav, who skillfully outmaneuvered a defender to slot it into the goal.
As the game approached its conclusion, Holstein Kiel mounted a spirited effort, creating two promising opportunities to equalize and potentially force extra time. Yet, it was Stuttgart who once again demonstrated their attacking prowess. In the 90th minute, after regaining possession in midfield, Stuttgart launched a swift counter-attack. Chris Führich showcased exceptional individual skill, dribbling into the penalty area and firing home a goal, extending his team's lead. The drama wasn't over, as a peculiar third goal arrived in stoppage time. Karazor, after receiving the ball and attempting to round goalkeeper Timon Weiner, stumbled. In an unusual turn of events, the loose ball was then nudged over the goal line by Karazor's hip, completing Stuttgart's 3-0 triumph.
Following the match, a relieved Karazor remarked to broadcaster Sky, "That was an atypical goal, what can I say? It's simply important that we are through." He further emphasized the significance of the win, calling it a "very, very important win for us, it was a mandatory task." This victory propels the Bundesliga team into the next stage. Other quarter-final results saw Bayer Leverkusen comfortably defeat St. Pauli 3-0. Upcoming matches include Freiburg hosting Hertha Berlin and the illustrious Bayern Munich welcoming RB Leipzig. The semi-finals are scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd, with the grand final set for May 23rd in Berlin.
This DFB Cup quarter-final not only highlighted Stuttgart's resilience and offensive capabilities but also underscored the unpredictable nature of football. The victory serves as a strong statement of intent from the defending champions, reminding both fans and rivals of their determination to succeed. The path to the final is now clearer, promising more thrilling encounters as the competition progresses towards its exciting conclusion in Berlin.