DFB Pokal Quarter-finals Preview: Leverkusen vs. St. Pauli and Kiel vs. Stuttgart

The DFB Pokal Quarter-finals commence with Bayer Leverkusen hosting St. Pauli on Tuesday, followed by Holstein Kiel taking on VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. Speculation abounds regarding potential upsets in these fixtures—let’s delve into the previews of the first two matches.

On Tuesday evening, Leverkusen, currently positioned 6th in the league, will face off against 17th-ranked St. Pauli. While the expectations lean heavily in favor of Leverkusen, particularly given St. Pauli’s dismal Bundesliga performance—having not secured a victory since September 14th—the unpredictable nature of the DFB Pokal often leads to surprises that defy expectations.

St. Pauli has demonstrated their resilience by overcoming Bundesliga teams in previous rounds, notably achieving a remarkable victory against TSG Hoffenheim via penalties after a thrilling 8-7 shootout. Although the match against Leverkusen will pose significant challenges, it presents an opportunity for St. Pauli, who have little to lose and everything to gain. Leverkusen, despite showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, are not invincible.

For Leverkusen, this match represents a crucial opportunity—not only to secure a place in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal but also to reaffirm their European aspirations. Having experienced a setback in their league campaign with consecutive losses to TSG Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart, they currently sit in 6th place. With the potential for a European berth through the DFB Pokal, the significance of this match is elevated for players, coaches, and fans alike.

It would not be surprising if St. Pauli maintains competitiveness throughout the match. They have been defensively sound in recent games, despite their winless streak. If they can stay within a goal margin heading into the latter stages of the game, there’s a genuine chance for them to create an upset.

Turning our attention to the second match of the week, Holstein Kiel, a 2. Bundesliga team, will host VfB Stuttgart, who are currently strong contenders for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. Since their relegation last season, Kiel has struggled to find their footing, sitting in 11th place with limited prospects for promotion.

Nevertheless, Kiel has shown remarkable tenacity in the DFB Pokal thus far, defeating teams such as VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV in away matches. The upcoming clash against Stuttgart poses a different challenge, given Stuttgart’s current form. However, Kiel’s home advantage may play a crucial role in this matchup. Despite difficulties in scoring, they will rely on their top scorer, David Zec, to enhance their chances of progressing to the next round.

For VfB Stuttgart, caution is advised as they navigate this potential banana skin encounter. With recent victories against Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg, they are on track for a successful league campaign. Yet, like Leverkusen, they recognize the DFB Pokal not only as an avenue for glory but also as a potential pathway to Europe, should their domestic ambitions falter.

Stuttgart has already encountered 2. Bundesliga opposition twice in this year’s Pokal, securing a 2-0 victory over VfL Bochum and edging past Eintracht Braunsweig after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the first round. Given their progression since the early rounds, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß is expected to field a strong lineup to secure a place in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Ultimately, the outcome hinges on Stuttgart’s performance, while both Kiel and St. Pauli hold their own chances for a bit of DFB Pokal magic.