VfB Stuttgart prevailed against 1. FC Kaiserslautern after a strong second half. The Swabians were almost playing with a completely new team.
VfB Stuttgart won the second round match of the DFB Cup against 1. FC Kaiserslautern 2-1 (1-1). Nick Woltemade gave VfB the lead after just under a quarter of an hour (14th minute). Boris Tomiak equalized for FCK with a penalty kick shortly before half time (43′). Chris Führich scored Stuttgart’s winning goal (75th) in the second half.
For Sebastian Hoeneß it was the expected difficult game. “Of course you always hope that the game will be decided earlier,” said the VfB coach in an interview with Sportschau. “The penalty is a big sticking point, which opens the game. The opponent completely believes there again. Then it was an open game until the 60th minute.” In the end, he saw that his team’s victory was deserved.
“We are leaving with mixed feelings. Of course, there is no shame in being kicked out here. But if you look at the way the game went and the performance, it is still disappointing. There was more to it,” said the opponent FCK Tomiak. “Sure, Stuttgart put the pressure on him in the second half. But before that we have two big chances. If you have a bit of luck in the game, you will be ahead.”
VfB with nine new players in the starting line-up
Hoeneß rotated his team a lot compared to the last Bundesliga match against Holstein Kiel (2:1). Only Anrie Chase and Fabian Rieder remained from the starting eleven on Saturday against FCK. After the 4-3 win at Fortuna Düsseldorf, FCK coach Markus ordered three new professionals into the starting eleven: Erik Wekesser, Kenny Redondo and captain Marlon Ritter.
After a short testing period, VfB took the initiative. Pascal Stenzel had the first good chance, but his powerful shot from the corner of the penalty area was a little too high (9th minute). And the Stuttgart team stuck with him. FCK keeper Julian Krahl was able to get a hand on Ermedin Demirovic’s shot, but Woltemade put the rebound safely into the empty net.
Live ticket to read: VfB Stuttgart vs FCK
FCK compensation out of the blue
Until then, there was no sign of the FCK on the offensive. VfB, on the other hand, were completely different, Demirovic failed to dislodge Woltemade due to Krahl’s strong reaction (25′). Three minutes later the Red Devils’ first dangerous action: Chase cleared Daisuke Yokota’s sharp cross. After the next corner, things got even hotter, Yokota hit the post from 14 meters (29 ‘).
The game was more fair now, also because the Red Devils were poisonous and consistent in the duels. Shortly before the break, FCK equalized thanks to a poor decision. After defending a corner, Ritter received the ball and Rieder hit him in the leg. Referee Daniel Schlager pointed to the penalty spot, but the contact happened just outside the penalty area. The VAR has not yet been used in the second round of the cup, so the decision stood. Boris Tomiak gave VfB keeper Fabian Bredlow no chance and the 26-year-old converted an equaliser.
Rieder checks Krahl right after the change
Both teams started the second half without any representation. VfB had the first chance, but Krahl showed himself in the post when Rieder finished (48th). On the other hand, FCK tackled Yokota and Redondo, but his pass into the center was too precise (53′). Two minutes later another quick counter-attack by the Red Devils. Luca Sirch’s beautiful cross put striker Ragnar Ache over the target. Now things happened quickly: Woltemade put the ball over the left post from close range after Rieder’s preparatory work (56th). Ache did the same at the other end, but aimed down the right (59th).
VfB coach Hoeneß responded and introduced national players Deniz Undav and Angelo Stiller. After a one-two with Führich, he had a great chance to make it 2-1, but Krahl made a great save with Stiller’s score (64′). Three minutes later he had his next big chance, but the midfielder put the ball over the goal after Undav’s finish.
Krahl saved FCK from falling behind several times
VfB were clearly in control now. Undav let two men out in the penalty area and then hesitated too long before finishing – missed chance (69′). Another cracker in just three minutes. Rieder took the initiative with a 20-metre free kick, but Krahl headed the ball sharply onto the crossbar. Seconds later he was also there for Ramon Hendriks’ cheeky finish at the near post.
In the 75th minute, the FCK keeper also had no chance. After a back pass from Demirovic, Führich sent his shot unstoppable into the bottom right corner. Shortly afterwards it was time for the national player to finish the job and Jamie Leweling came in to replace him. The FCK dared to go on the offensive again. Daniel Hanslik was headed too high in the 80th minute after a pass from the right.
In the final minutes, VfB lost the lead several times. FCK had a chance to force extra time in stoppage time. But Tomiak was no longer able to finish decisively after a final corner.
VfB before an excellent game at the champions – FCK must go to Hanover
This means that VfB are in the round of the last 16 clubs. The round of 16 will take place on December 3 and 4, 2024 and will be drawn on Sunday in the Sportschau.
In the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart continues on Friday (November 1, 2024) with the best match against the champions Bayer Leverkusen. The game will start at 8.30pm. A day later, KSC will play in the 2nd Bundesliga against Hannover 96 (1 pm).
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Analyst
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon! Today, we’re diving into the thrilling DFB Cup match where VfB Stuttgart triumphed over 1. FC Kaiserslautern with a 2-1 score. Joining us is football analyst, Dr. Ellen Schmidt, who specializes in German football tactics and team dynamics. Ellen, thank you for being here!
Dr. Ellen Schmidt (DES): Thank you for having me! It was indeed an exciting match.
TNE: Let’s start with Stuttgart’s performance. They almost fielded a completely revamped team. How do you think this impacted their overall performance?
DES: It certainly had a significant impact. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß made nine changes from their last Bundesliga match, which is quite a shift. While it may have raised questions about team coherence, it actually provided fresh energy. The new players, particularly Nick Woltemade and Chris Führich, made key contributions. Their fast-paced, aggressive play in the second half proved pivotal.
TNE: Right. Woltemade scored the opening goal, but there was also that dramatic penalty awarded to Kaiserslautern just before halftime. What are your thoughts on that decision?
DES: The penalty was indeed a turning point in the match. It shifted momentum; up until that point, Stuttgart was in control. The foul occurred just outside the box, which ideally should have been a free kick, so the referee’s call was quite controversial. However, since VAR wasn’t available in this round, that decision stood, giving Kaiserslautern a vital lifeline.
TNE: Speaking of momentum shifts, how did the team dynamics evolve from the first half to the second half for Stuttgart?
DES: In the first half, Stuttgart was effective but lacked that finishing touch. They had chances but didn’t capitalize on them—typical of teams adjusting to many new players. By the second half, however, their confidence grew. Coach Hoeneß made smart substitutions, bringing in players like Deniz Undav and Angelo Stiller, which further energized their attacking efforts. The tempo increased, and they were more decisive in front of goal.
TNE: Chris Führich’s goal was the decisive one in the 75th minute. How did that reflect Stuttgart’s tactical shift in the second half?
DES: Führich’s goal underscored Stuttgart’s strategic adaptation. They moved quickly after regaining possession, pushing forward with intention. It was a well-executed one-two play that caught the defense off-guard. This shows how important quick transitions are; they can exploit defensive lapses effectively, which Stuttgart did brilliantly in that sequence.
TNE: Now, let’s talk about Kaiserslautern’s perspective. Coach Markus Karl made three changes to their lineup. Do you think they needed more tactical changes during the match?
DES: Yes, I would say so. While they started the second half with a fierce attitude and had some crucial chances, they failed to maintain that intensity. Karl might have benefitted from more dynamic substitutions earlier, especially as the game got tense. They needed someone to disrupt Stuttgart’s rising momentum and create opportunities to capitalize on their two initial chances.
TNE: Following the match, Tomiak expressed mixed feelings about their performance, emphasizing the missed opportunities. Do you believe Kaiserslautern can take positives from this game?
DES: Absolutely. Though they are out of the cup, their fighting spirit and ability to respond under pressure can serve as motivators moving forward. They created enough chances to have won, and overcoming a tough opponent like Stuttgart could be seen as a stepping stone for their campaign ahead. Key learnings about managing game tempo and taking chances will be crucial for them.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt. Your insights into both teams’ strategies and the game’s dynamics greatly enhance our understanding of this competitive match!
DES: My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how both teams adapt in their upcoming matches.
TNE: And to our readers, stay tuned for more analyses on European football. Until next time!