Stuttgart secured their place in the semi-finals of the German Football Cup (DFB-Pokal) after a resounding and well-deserved 3-0 victory over their hosts Holstein Kiel in the quarter-final match played on Wednesday evening.
Match details: A goalless first half and a resurgence in the second
The task was not easy from the start, as the first half ended in a goalless draw, with the home side attempting to withstand the visitors' attacks. However, the match's dynamic changed completely in the second half, as Stuttgart asserted their dominance and converted their chances into decisive goals.
Deniz Ondav opened the scoring for Stuttgart in the 56th minute, breaking through Holstein Kiel's defense and giving his team the lead and a sense of security. As the match neared its end and the opposition attempted a comeback, Stuttgart exploited the spaces, with Chris Wehrich scoring the second goal in the 89th minute, effectively ending the home side's hopes.
In the final moments, specifically in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2), Atakan Karazur his mark by scoring the third goal, confirming his team's right to qualify.
Leverkusen and Stuttgart: A clash of titans in the Golden Square
With this victory, Stuttgart became the second team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, joining Bayer Leverkusen , who are having an exceptional season. Leverkusen had preceded Stuttgart to this stage after winning by the same score (3-0) against their hosts, St. Pauli, last Tuesday, foreshadowing fierce competition in the upcoming rounds.
This qualification is of great importance to Stuttgart, as the team seeks to crown its outstanding performances this season with a domestic title that brings back memories of the club's historical glories. Reaching the semi-finals also enhances the team's chances of competing for a European spot for next season.
The Road to Berlin: Decision Dates
All eyes are now on the semi-final draw, with the two matches scheduled for April 21 and 22. The four remaining teams will compete for a place in the dream final, which will be held as usual at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on May 23 , bringing to a close one of the most exciting editions of the German Cup.
