VfB Stuttgart advanced to the DFB-Pokal semifinals by defeating Holstein Kiel 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The Bundesliga side prevailed in Kiel despite a strong first-half performance from the second-division hosts. A rabbit provided halftime entertainment.
Holstein Kiel hosted VfB Stuttgart in the sold-out Holstein-Stadion amid freezing temperatures below zero. Before 15,034 spectators, the quarterfinal ended in a 0-3 defeat for the Storks (0-0). The hosts started strongly, troubling the visitors with counters. Adrian Kapralik was denied by goalkeeper Alexander Nübel in the 8th minute, and Andu Kelati shot over in the 11th.
The Stuttgart side struggled initially but broke through after halftime. In the 56th minute, Deniz Undav scored 1-0 from a free kick that Kasper Davidsen unfortunately extended. Kiel coach Marcel Rapp had to adjust early: Umut Tohumcu got injured and was replaced by Stefan Schwab (53.). Later substitutions brought fresh energy: Jonas Therkelsen and Aldin Jakupovic entered, with the latter missing a big chance ten minutes from time.
In stoppage time, Chris Führich (90') and former Kiel player Atakan Karazor (90+2') sealed the win. Captain Steven Skrzybski was absent due to a muscle injury from training. Kiel made five lineup changes: Timon Weiner, Ivan Nekic, Adrian Kapralik, Kasper Davidsen, and Andu Kelati.
"Proud but disappointed," Rapp summarized. Midfielder Jonas Meffert said: "It was possible to advance today. If you don't take your chances, it's hard to win." Führich praised the tough conditions on ZDF: "It just counts to go through one round." Undav added: "It was a hard game."
Kiel had previously beaten Wolfsburg (1-0) and HSV (penalties), while Stuttgart defeated Braunschweig, Bochum, and Mainz. The Kiel performance earned applause, but their cup dream ends here. Stuttgart joins Leverkusen in the semifinals – their third in four years under Sebastian Hoeneß.
At halftime, a rabbit scampered across the pitch, delighting the cheering fans.
