New Delhi: VFB Stuttgart secured a spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Augsburg. Deniz Undav’s first-half goal proved to be the difference as Sebastian Hoeness’ side moved a step closer to their first final appearance since 2013.
After crashing out in the quarter-finals last season against eventual champions Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart were determined to go further this time. They also needed a response after their heavy 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last week. Augsburg, meanwhile, came into the match unbeaten in four games but had not reached the semi-finals since 2010.
Undav’s goal sends Stuttgart through
⏹ ABPFIFF! DER VfB STEHT IM HALBFINALE! ⚪🔴🔥#VfB | #DFBPokal | #VfBFCA 1:0 pic.twitter.com/kSlBbxwUbe
— VfB Stuttgart (@VfB) February 4, 2025
Stuttgart dominated possession early on but found it tough to break down Augsburg’s defensive setup. Undav had the first real chance of the match when he tested Nediljko Labrovic, but the goalkeeper made a routine save. The home side kept pressing and finally found the breakthrough in the 30th minute. Frank Onyeka’s clearance bounced off Ermedin Demirovic and fell kindly for Undav, who slotted home with composure.
Just before half-time, Stuttgart nearly doubled their lead when Chris Fuhrich’s effort crashed against the post with Labrovic beaten. The hosts continued to control the match after the break, but Augsburg grew into the game. Mert Komur had two attempts on target, but Alexander Nubel comfortably dealt with both efforts.
Despite a late push from Augsburg, Stuttgart held on to book their place in the last four. Hoeness also made history, becoming only the second Stuttgart manager after Joachim Low to reach the semi-finals twice since the Bundesliga’s formation.
Stuttgart will now wait to see who they face in the semi-finals as they look to win their first DFB-Pokal title since 1997.
Stuttgart reached the DFB-Pokal semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Augsburg, as Deniz Undav’s first-half strike sealed victory. Sebastian Hoeness’ side remain on course for their first final since 2013. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
