Chris Führich (center) and Stuttgart struggled against Kiel for a long time, but in the end they secured a clear victory. © APA/afp / IBRAHIM OT

Late, but finally: Stuttgart defeats Kiel in the cup.

VfB Stuttgart did not let themselves be duped in the freezing north like FC Bayern once were and mastered their next task in the DFB Cup.

February 04, 2026

From: dpa/sn

The defending champions ultimately won comfortably 3-0 against second division side Holstein Kiel and advanced to the semi-finals for the third time in four seasons under the direction of coach Sebastian Hoeneß.

The Swabian Champions League hopefuls defied the adverse sub-zero temperatures thanks to goals from Deniz Undav (56th minute), Chris Führich (89th), and former Kiel player Atakan Karazor (90+2) in front of 15.034 spectators at the sold-out Holstein Stadium, preventing another cup upset by Kiel. The relegated Bundesliga side had knocked the record holders from Munich out of the competition almost five years ago.

DFB Cup: Quarter-finals