Lorenz Assignon (c.) stepped up to convert the winning penalty for Stuttgart in a gripping shoot-out. - © IMAGO/Michael Tager
Lorenz Assignon (c.) stepped up to convert the winning penalty for Stuttgart in a gripping shoot-out. - © IMAGO/Michael Tager
VfB Stuttgart beat Eintracht Braunschweig on penalties in DFB Cup first round
Ermedin Demirović struck twice and Nick Woltemade was also on target as reigning holders VfB Stuttgart edged second-tier Eintracht Braunschweig 8-7 on penalties to reach the second round of the DFB Cup on Tuesday, after the match ended 4-4 after extra time.
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Braunschweig 4-4 Stuttgart
Goals: 1-0 Köhler (8’), 1-1 Demirović (11’), 1-2 Demirović (60’), 2-2 Sanchez (77’), 3-2 Sanchez (85'), 3-3 Woltemade (89'), 3-4 Ba (o.g. 94'), 4-4 Conteh (105')
Having taken six points from their opening three Bundesliga 2 games of the season, Braunschweig began in a confident mood and immediately went on the front foot. They got behind the Stuttgart defence a couple of times early on and their bold approach was rewarded with a goal in the eighth minute when Sven Köhler's powerful drive from distance caught Alexander Nübel off guard.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s side responded straight away though, with Ermedin Demirović stooping to head in Maximilian Mittelstädt’s pinpoint cross from the left. The latter was involved again in Stuttgart’s next chance, cutting the ball back for Lorenz Assignon, whose shot was saved by Ron-Thorben Hoffmann.
Summer signing Tiago Tomás had an effort blocked as half-time approached, and at the other end, Nübel was more alert to keep out another long-range Köhler effort to keep the game level at the interval.
Erencan Yardımcı had a glorious chance to put the home side in front early in the second half, robbing Ramon Hendriks of the ball and bursting into the box, but he miscued his finish with just Nübel to beat and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.
It would prove to be a costly miss as, shortly afterwards, Angelo Stiller broke free down the left and sent a low cross into the middle that left Demirović with a simple tap-in from the edge of the six-yard box.
Hoeneß subsequently brought on Germany internationals Nick Woltemade and Jamie Leweling as he sought to see the result over the line, but Braunschweig had other ideas.
With the clock ticking down, Fabio Di Michele Sánchez lashed in an unstoppable left-footed strike from a tight angle inside the six-yard box. The same player repeated the trick a few minutes later, albeit from further out, his thunderbolt seemingly sending the Lions through.
More was to come though, as Woltemade poked in a last-gasp equaliser following good work from Leweling, sending the tie to extra time. Tomás then produced a sublime moment of skill early on, his double back-heel taking him past his marker on the right to cross into the middle, where Sanoussy Ba turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Demirović.
The drama continued as players tired, with Christian Conteh levelling matters again after his turn bamboozled Finn Jeltsch. Despite further chances for both sides neither was able to score again, meaning penalties were needed to decide the outcome. Nübel emerged as the hero, saving three times to send Stuttgart into the second round.
There was a mixture of pride and relief for the Stuttgart players after an energy-sapping game in Braunschweig. - Ronny Hartmann
Match stats
- Stuttgart are four-time DFB Cup winners and three-time runners-up. They haven't lost in the first round since a 2-0 defeat to 3. Liga's Hansa Rostock in 2018/19.
- Woltemade topped last season's cup scoring charts with five goals in as many games.
- Hoeneß has won 10 of 13 cup games as Stuttgart head coach, only losing 2022/23 semi-final and 2023/24 quarter-final ties to Eintracht Frankfurt (runners-up that season) and Bayer Leverkusen (eventual winners) respectively.
- Braunschweig have gone out in the opening round in 13 of the last 21 seasons, including four in the last five alone.
- The teams met in the 1985/86 first round, with a Stuttgart team featuring Jürgen Klinsmann recording a 6-3 home victory. VfB also won their 2015/16 last-16 and 1980/81 third-round meetings (both 3-2 after extra-time).
Braunschweig: Hoffmann - Frenkert, Ehlers, Breunig (Conteh 63') - Aydin, Heußer (Ba 73'), Köhler (c) (Polter 90'+1), Marie, Sanchez (Bell Bell 95') – Gomez - Yardımcı (Szabó 63')
Unused subs: Rajkovačić, Kaufmann, Ould-Chikh, Sané
Out: Jäkel (leg), Krauße (muscle), Raebiger (knee), Tempelmann (leg)
Coach: Heiner Backhaus
Stuttgart: Nübel - Assignon, Jeltsch (Zagadou 115'), Hendriks, Mittelstädt - Karazor (c), Stiller (Chema 96') - Tomás (Vagnoman 96'), Undav (Woltemade 71'), Führich (Leweling 71') - Demirović
Unused subs: Bredlow, Stenzel, Nartey, Jovanović
Out: Jaquez (nose), Silas (foot), Stergiou (ankle)
Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß
As it happened!
4 - 4
(1 - 1)
Braunschweig
PENALTIES
Stuttgart
DFB Pokal
First round First round Eintracht-Stadion
First round First round Eintracht-Stadion
Full-time: Braunschweig 4-4 Stuttgart (7-8 pen.)
© IMAGO/Julia Rahn
Full-time
Full-time: Braunschweig 4-4 Stuttgart
© IMAGO/Michael Tager
Full-time
120'
+ 2
Leweling booked for simulation
The Stuttgart winger goes down in the Braunschweig box and appeals for a penalty, but the referee books him for the manner in which he went down.
120'
+ 2
Yellow card
120'
+ 1
Final moments
Three minutes have been added on at the death here.
120'
Players cramping
Players on both sides are dropping like flies every time the ball goes out of play. They've put in a real shift this evening.
117'
Tempers boil over
After a challenge on Nick Woltemade, tempers flare between the sides. As a result, the referee books the main culprits: Assignon and Conteh.
117'
Yellow card
117'
Yellow card
115'
Substitution
114'
Stuttgart turning the screw
The DFB Cup holders are really putting Braunschweig under the kosh here. Cross after cross is going into the box, but Braunschweig are holding firm for now.
111'
Huge chance for Woltemade
The tall striker does well to fashion some space in the box, but his low effort is saved impressively by Hoffmann.
109'
Just over
From another Stuttgart corner, Woltemade wins the header, but his flicked attempt lands on the roof of the net.
107'
Early corner
Assignon takes an out-swinger from the right, but Braunschweig win the initial header to clear the danger.
106'
Going the distance
We're into deep water here; there's to be 15 more minutes to decide things, otherwise it's to penalties.
Kick-off!
Extra-time half-time: Braunschweig 4-4 Stuttgart
© Ronny Hartmann
Half-time
105'
+ 3
So close for Conteh!
Gómez dances past three defenders before feeding Conteh through, but Nübel wins out in the one-on-one that follows. What a chance that was for Braunschweig!
105'
+ 1
Added time
Three additional minutes are indicated.
105'
Conteh delivers a hammer blow!
Braunschweig are back in it, AGAIN! This time, Conteh receives the ball in the box from the left, spins Jeltsch on the spot and smashes it past Nübel from close range. They simply won't give up!
99'
Off the woodwork!
Frenkert rises highest to meet a free-kick from the left with his head at the far post. He makes a really good connection on the header, but steers it onto the crossbar. There were hearts in mouths for Stuttgart there...
96'
Changes for both sides
Goalscorer Sanchez leaves the field to rapturous applause to be replaced by Bell Bell. For the leaders, Vagnoman replaces Tomás and Chema comes on to make his debut here.
96'
Substitution
96'
Substitution
95'
Substitution
92'
Unlucky from Ba, but Stuttgart take the lead!
That didn't take long, but it was all about the assist from Tiago Tomás! The Portuguese picks the ball up wide on the right before turning his man with a fantastic touch to free up space for a cross. He puts it in towards Demirović, but Ba, in trying to clear it, unfortunately puts it in his own net.
91'
And so it begins
Normal time couldn't separate these sides, so it's to be another 30 minutes here.
Extra time
Full-time: Braunschweig 3-3 Stuttgart
© IMAGO/Michael Tager
End of second half
90'
+ 8
Jeltsch booked
The young centre-back sees yellow for a tactical foul to prevent a Braunschweig counter.
90'
+ 8
Yellow card
90'
+ 5
How has that not gone in?
Stuttgart could've won it at the death then. Woltemade makes a bursting run forwards with the ball and gets into the left side of the penalty area before crossing to Demirović at the far post. The Bosnian has time to pick his spot, but he sends it wide of the right post from a matter of yards out.
90'
+ 4
Late corner
Marie takes an out-swinger from the right, aiming for the near post, but Stuttgart get it clear.
90'
Injury time
Seven additional minutes are indicated. Speaking of injuries, Köhler is substituted off after sustaining a knock in the build-up to the Woltemade goal. He is replaced by Polter.
90'
Substitution
89'
Woltemade silences the home crowd
Braunschweig dared to dream for a moment, but Woltemade has brought them back down to earth. The big centre-forward nods a Mittelstädt cross down to Leweling, who then whips a cross back into Woltemade. The German takes a touch before firing it into the top left corner to make it 3-3.
85'
It's Sanchez again!
The Braunschweig left-back has turned the game on its head with another rocket! Conteh's effort from the edge of the box is blocked, but it falls kindly to Sanchez. The wide man still has a lot to do however, but he takes the first-time effort beautifully, smashing the ball into the far corner with the outside of his boot. He left Nübel with no chance again!
83'
Carnage in the Stuttgart box
Braunschweig have their tails up now. The Lions are peppering the Stuttgart box with dangerous crosses. Most recently, it dropped to Ba, who had time but too long to let a shot fly. Stuttgart are hanging on here.
78'
Sanchez nullifies the deficit!
What a hit! Köhler delivers a fine cross into the box from the right. Di Michele Sanchez is in plenty of space, but the angle is very tight. He only has one option: to put as much power on the ball towards the near post whilst trying to keep it under the crossbar - and he did just that! Nübel had no chance to keep out yet another rocket from Braunschweig this evening.
73'
Changes for both sides
Both managers opt for fresh legs and attacking changes. Whilst Braunschweig chase an equaliser, Hoeneß doesn't seem satisfied with his side's one-goal advantage, bringing on Woltemade and Leweling as he seeks breathing room.
73'
Substitution
71'
Substitution
71'
Substitution
71'
Dangerous from Mittelstädt
Assignon goes on a marauding run from the right-back position which takes him to centre-forward. He plays it wide to Mittelstädt, who whips in a low cross towards the back post. It's a great cross but there's no one on the end of it.
67'
In from Heußer
Gómez draws a foul midway into the Stuttgart half. Heußer takes the free-kick, floating the ball towards the far post, but it's headed behind by Braunschweig for a Stuttgart goal-kick.
63'
Double change
Backhaus opts for a double substitution just minutes after going behind. He opts for offensive changes, bringing on Szabó and Conteh as his side now chase the game.
63'
Substitution
63'
Substitution
60'
Demirović adds a second!
That was a true strikers' finish. Führich plays a ball inside to Stiller, who had got high up the pitch. The No.6 gets a bit of luck with a deflection in beating his marker, but he immediately picks his head up and sees Demirović unmarked in the centre. Stiller finds the Bosnian, who simply has to poke it home to give his side the lead.
Just as physical
© IMAGO/Michael Tager
54'
Yardımcı in behind
Braunschweig's No.9 is played through on the left side of the box, He tries to poke it past Nübel, but he shanks the attempt and the ball trickles wide.
53'
Jeltsch stands his ground
Yardımcı is played in behind the Stuttgart backline, but Jeltsch does excellently to get back in time before proving too strong for the Braunschweig forward. The fans scream for a foul but it was good defending from the Stuttgart player.
52'
Aydin and Stiller receive treatment
There's another clash of knees, this time between Aydin and Stiller. Both players come off the pitch to receive treatment on the sidelines, but they have both reentered the fray now.
47'
Brief stoppage
There's a halt in the proceedings after Breunig of Braunschweig clashes knees with Demirović in a 50-50 challenge which left both players down on the turf. They're back to their feet now, though, and play resumes.
46'
Back underway!
We're set for another enthralling 45 here as Braunschweig get the ball rolling for the second half.
Kick-off!
Half-time: Braunschweig 1-1 Stuttgart
© Ronny Hartmann
Half-time
45'
+ 4
Köhler hits it
The ball is bouncing on the edge of the Stuttgart penalty area, and Köhler simply puts his foot through it, as he did his first goal. However, this time Nübel gets down well to smother the powerful low effort.
45'
Added time
Four additional minutes are indicated.
44'
Tomás' effort denied
Führich plays a defence-splitting pass to release Tomás in the box. The Portuguese would have a one-on-one with Hoffmann, but his shot is blocked at the last moment thanks to a great recovery from Breunig.
41'
Karazor booked
The Stuttgart captain had his name taken in the aftermath of the Braunschweig chance for impeding Marie down the left and preventing him from joining the Eintracht attack.
41'
Yellow card
41'
Huge chance for Yardımcı
Braunschweig launch a quick-counter attack after pouncing on a loose pass from Mittelstädt. Yardımcı is played into the box on the right side, but his low, driven effort only finds the side netting.
Stuttgart thank Demirović
© IMAGO/Michael Tager
37'
Assignon tests Hoffmann
A lovely passing move from Stuttgart culminates in Mittelstädt putting a low cross into Assignon at the edge of the box, whose first-time effort is powerfully struck, but straight at Hoffmann.
32'
Hendriks booked
The Stuttgart defender goes into the book for a late tackle on Yardımcı which prevented a Braunschweig counter-attack.
32'
Yellow card
Köhler celebrates
© Ronny Hartmann
28'
Braunschweig scream for a penalty
Gómez does really well to beat Mittelstädt on the right side of the box, before going down under the Stuttgart man's challenge. Eintracht protest for a penalty, but the referee immediately - and correctly - dismisses their claims.
26'
First booking
Braunschweig's captain and goalscorer is the first player to be cautioned this evening for his late challenge on Stiller.
25'
Yellow card
23'
Well off target
Undav picks the ball up in the half-space, midway into the Braunschweig half. He turns, drops his shoulder and beats his marker before letting a shot fly from around 25 yards. It's wildly struck, though, and sails harmlessly high and wide.
20'
In from Stiller
The midfielder takes an out-swinging corner from the left, which Braunschweig deal with on their first time of asking. Stuttgart work it back to Stiller, though, who puts another whipped ball in and this time, he finds Hendriks' head in the box, but his header flashes narrowly wide of the left post.
17'
Fiesty encounter
The two early goals have got both the crowd and the players really up for this one. Physical challenges are flying in and Braunschweig are pressing very high up the pitch. Both sides are looking to attack at every opportunity.
12'
Demirović levels it for Stuttgart!
That didn't last long. A cross comes in from the left courtesy of Mittelstädt. It finds the head of Demirović , who is hovering around the penalty spot. The striker’s effort takes a deflection off Breunig as it creeps in at the right side of the goal. All square here in Braunschweig!
8'
Captain Köhler puts the Lions ahead!
Köhler picks the ball up about 35 yards out and is given too much time on it to shoot. His right-footed strike towards the top right corner is a powerful one - Nübel gets both hands to it but still can’t prevent it from going in.
6'
Nübel playing with fire
Following a back pass, the Stuttgart goalkeeper takes too long to decide his next move under pressure from Yardımcı. The goalkeeper just manages to fluff his lines to concede a corner before the Braunschweig man can win it back and put it into an empty net. Eintracht don't make anything of the set-piece, though.
3'
Undav can't reach it
A long ball over the top releases Führich down the left flank. The wide man then cuts back inside before curling a cross towards the back post where Undav is arriving. It's a good ball, but the German international can't quite get on the end of it.
1'
And we're off!
It's the visitors from Stuttgart who get the ball rolling here in Braunschweig.
Kick-off!
Braunschweig team news
For Backhaus' Braunschweig team, there are two changes from the weekend's 2-0 defeat to Karlsruhe. Ehlers comes in for Tempelmann, who misses out with a leg injury, and Gómez starts ahead of Conteh, who takes his place on the bench.
More on that Stuttgart side
© IMAGO/Julia Rahn
Starting line-up: Eintracht Braunschweig
Starting line-up: VfB Stuttgart
2:04
Watch: All of Stuttgart's 2024/25 cup goals
Heiner Backhaus on facing Stuttgart
© IMAGO/Franziska Gora
Undav returns to old stomping ground
© Susanne Hübner, Susanne Huebner
Additional injury worries
Hoeneß also confirmed that Jeff Chabot, Leonidas Stergiou, Ameen Al-Dakhil, Justin Diehl and Silas will all be unavailable for the cup tie.
Hoeneß on facing Braunschweig
© IMAGO/Noah Wedel
Tempelmann to also miss out
© IMAGO/Sportfoto Zink / Melanie Zink
Luca Jaquez suffers broken nose
© IMAGO/Sebastian Räppold/Matthias Koch
The danger men
© IMAGO/Uwe Koch
Previous meetings
© imago sportfotodienst
Added incentive
© IMAGO/Michael Taeger
Onwards and upwards
© Maryam Majd
Welcome!
With Stuttgart competing in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on the same weekend as the remaining first-round fixtures, the holders finally get their DFB Cup campaign underway on Tuesday with a trip to Eintracht Braunschweig of Bundesliga 2.
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