DFB Pokal Quarter-Finals Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel vs. VfB Stuttgart

The DFB Pokal Quarter-finals commence with Bayer Leverkusen hosting St. Pauli on Tuesday, followed by Holstein Kiel facing VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. As the tournament progresses, the potential for upsets looms large. Here’s an overview of the first two matches in this season’s knockout stage.

On Tuesday evening, Bayer Leverkusen, currently positioned 6th in the Bundesliga, will meet St. Pauli, who sit at 17th. At first glance, this matchup seems to favor Leverkusen, especially considering St. Pauli’s lack of a Bundesliga victory since September 14th. However, the unpredictable nature of the DFB Pokal often allows for surprising turnarounds in favor of the underdog.

St. Pauli has demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming Bundesliga teams in each round, including a dramatic penalty shootout win against TSG Hoffenheim. Although the match against Leverkusen will be challenging, St. Pauli approaches it with a free-spirited mentality—armed with nothing to lose and everything to gain. While Leverkusen has shown some improvement recently, they are not infallible, making this match intriguing.

For Bayer Leverkusen, this match presents a significant opportunity—not only to secure a spot in the semi-finals but also to bolster their aspirations for European football. After some setbacks earlier in 2026, when they dropped points against TSG Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart, the DFB Pokal could serve as a valuable route back to European competition. Winning the trophy remains a top priority, but maintaining European hopes also weighs heavily on the minds of the players, coaching staff, and supporters.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see St. Pauli remain competitive late into the game, as they have recently improved defensively, despite their winless streak. If they can keep the scoreline tight entering the final stages, St. Pauli may have a genuine chance at a significant upset in the DFB Pokal.

Shifting our focus to Wednesday’s clash, Holstein Kiel, a 2. Bundesliga team, will host VfB Stuttgart, who are currently favorites for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. Kiel has had a lackluster season since their relegation and currently sits in 11th place with little hope for promotion. Nevertheless, they have excelled in the DFB Pokal, previously defeating teams like VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV away from home.

Stuttgart presents a formidable challenge, especially given their recent form. However, with home advantage on Kiel’s side, they may create difficulties for the visitors. After parting with several key players last season, Kiel has struggled to find the net, making their top scorer, David Zec, pivotal if they hope to pull off an upset and advance to the semi-finals.

For VfB Stuttgart, caution is essential. With a strong run of form, including victories over Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg, Stuttgart is on track for a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League. Like Leverkusen, the DFB Pokal offers not just glory but also a potential safety net for European qualification, should domestic performance falter.

Stuttgart has faced 2. Bundesliga teams in the Pokal previously, achieving a recent victory against VfL Bochum. They have come a long way since their earlier struggle against Eintracht Braunschweig, showcasing their capability to reach the final four. Expect head coach Sebastian Hoeneß to field a competitive squad, fully aware of the stakes.

Ultimately, the outcome lies in Stuttgart’s hands, while both Kiel and St. Pauli possess the potential for a slice of DFB Pokal magic.