SC Freiburg advanced to the semi-finals of the DFB Cup. © ANSA / CLEMENS BILAN

Penalty shootout thriller: Freiburg destroys Hertha's final dream

Hertha's dream of a home final was shattered two steps from the finish line after a dramatic penalty shootout. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, remain in the race for their first cup victory in club history.

February 10, 2026

From: dpa

The Bundesliga team won the quarter-final against the Berliners 5-4 in a penalty shootout and followed Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart into the semi-finals of the prestigious competition.

The score was 1-1 after extra time. Freiburg's goalkeeper Florian Müller saved Pascal Klemens' decisive penalty. Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig will play for the final spot in the semi-finals.

56.743 spectators at the Olympic Stadium witnessed a closely contested match for over 120 minutes. Ultimately, Yuito Suzuki (96th minute) scored for the favorites after a glaring misplaced pass by Hertha's Linus Gechter, securing their third consecutive cup victory against a second-division team. A stunning goal from Hertha's captain Fabian Reese (104th minute) had briefly rekindled the Blue-Whites' hopes.