Führich takes the chestnuts out of the fire

Primal scream: Chris Führich celebrates the 2:1.
picture alliance/dpa

After the 2-1 win against Holstein Kiel, Stuttgart's coach Sebastian Hoeneß released a quickly revamped starting eleven: only Chase and Rieder survived the big rotation. “I have confidence in the boys who are playing today,” said the coach before kick-off Heaven and said that there was “no alternative” to the numerous changes because after “many games in the legs it was about freshness”.

It was the 96th competitive game between these two clubs, making it a classic of German football. In this case, however, the roles were clearly distributed. “The balance of power is already determined from the outset,” said FCK coach Markus beginning, but he also saw this as an outside chance, because: “We have a game in front of us where we can play freely.” The second division team had a lack of personnel Compared to the 4:3 spectacle against Fortuna Düsseldorf, three changes: Ritter, Wekesser and Redondo pushed Aremu, Kleinhansl and Hanslik to the bench.

Stuttgart rewards itself for a strong initial phase

VfB had not lost at home since October 28, 2023 (2:3 against Hoffenheim), and the Swabians were correspondingly dominant. VfB showed a more mature playing system, kept circulating the ball and made their first mark via Stenzel (9th).

The game developed in one direction, namely that of the Lauterer Tor. An early goal was in the air – and it came after 14 minutes: Demirovic tanked through two men on the right and then used the falling Krahl as a barrier to bring the ball to Woltemade – 1-0.

VfB misses the VAR

Strong nerves: Boris Tomiak (#2) scores from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
IMAGO/Michael Weber

The Red Devils seemed clueless and sometimes helpless for a long time. But because the Bundesliga team didn't consistently press for the second goal and, with the exception of a Demirovic chance, didn't really show themselves in front of the opponent's goal (25th), it remained exciting.

The 29th minute clearly showed how quickly the game could turn, when Yokota shot the ball at the right post after a corner.

Shortly before the break, Stuttgart struggled with a decision from referee Daniel Schlager. He pointed to the ominous spot when Rieder fouled Ritter, even though the scene had taken place just outside the penalty area. Since there was no VAR in the second cup round, the decision stood and Tomiak made the score 1-1 at halftime (43') as usual.

Rieder almost caused a big bang with his effortless long-range shot immediately after the restart, but Krahl parried and kept the match open (48th). The longer the game lasted, the more Stuttgart increased the pressure. The FCK, who acted with a fair amount of gall, occasionally countered and posed a goal threat, but overall they found themselves in the middle of a defensive battle.

Stuttgart exploits opportunities

But the Red Devils held firm for a long time, also because VfB quickly began to carelessly handle their chances. Substitute Stiller chased the ball over from three meters (67'), Undav missed the moments of the finish (69'), Rieder hit the crossbar with his direct free kick (72') and Hendricks failed with his cheeky 20-meter attempt Sharp angle at the short corner on the well-positioned Krahl (73').

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A quarter of an hour before the end, the Palatinate goalkeeper had to beat himself a second time after Demirovic broke through on the half-right and then passed into the backcourt to the criminally unmarked Führich. The traffic precisely from 14 meters into the bottom right corner, providing great relief in the sold-out stadium.

The FCK then made a real effort, but in the end the guests were unable to turn the tide a second time. In the end, VfB managed the hard-earned 2-1 victory and were now in the cup round of 16.

The Stuttgart team will be challenged again in Leverkusen on Friday evening at 8.30 p.m. (LIVE! on kicker). Kaiserslautern has a slightly longer break: The Red Devils only play at home against 1. FC Magdeburg on Sunday at 1.30 p.m.