Stuttgart, the current DFB-Pokal champions, continued their strong form with a convincing 3-0 victory against 2. Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel, securing a spot in the semi-finals and marking their fourth consecutive win across all competitions.
Having suffered just one defeat in their last 10 matches, Stuttgart entered the contest confident of overcoming Kiel, though the visitors had previously stunned Wolfsburg and Hamburg on their path to this stage, proving they were not to be underestimated.
Early opportunities favored the hosts, with Adrian Kaprálik’s tight-angle effort thwarted by goalkeeper Alexander Nubel and Andu Kelati sending another chance over the bar.
Kiel showed flashes of attacking promise but managed only a couple of wayward headers from Deniz Undav before halftime.
Stuttgart finally broke through just before the hour mark when Bilal El Khannouss’ free-kick was flicked across goal by Atakan Karazor, allowing Undav to deftly slot the opener from close range.
Despite this, Kiel remained dangerous. Phil Harres orchestrated a clever backheel to set up Aldin Jakupovic, whose effort went narrowly wide.
As the visitors pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, Stuttgart capitalized on the counter, with Chris Fuhrich rounding goalkeeper Timon Weiner to score into an empty net.
Karazor then added a third in stoppage time after being fouled but managing to push the ball over the line.
Holstein Kiel’s hopes of replicating their 2020/21 semi-final run in the DFB-Pokal came to an end, leaving only Hertha Berlin with the chance to feature in a third consecutive final without being from the Bundesliga.
With a 28-year wait for a fourth Pokal title finally ended, Stuttgart now turn their focus to balancing a packed schedule, including the UEFA Europa League knockout stages and their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
