Stuttgart end losing streak to reach Pokal semis

VfB Stuttgart book a DFB-Pokal semi-final place following another Deniz Undav winning goal against Augsburg.

VfB Stuttgart came into the tie on the back of three successive defeats in all competitions. Meanwhile, Mert Kömür’s superb equalizer against St. Pauli extended FC Augsburg’s unbeaten streak as they won each of their previous three Bundesliga games.

The hosts made five changes from the starting lineup in a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nick Woltemade, who scored in each of the first three rounds, is ruled out because of illness.

Samuel Essende was equally prolific for Augsburg in the cup, but Jess Thorup decided to start Phillip Tietz upfront. At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Nediljko Labrović won back his place for the first time since the turn of the year.

Augsburg started the game strong, nullifying Stuttgart’s threats until the game’s first chance in the 25th minute. Deniz Undav, who scored the only goal when the two teams met in Augsburg last month, was denied by Labrović. 

Five minutes later, Undav did get the better of the Croatian international. After a good linkup play from former Augsburg striker Ermedin Demirović, the 28-year-old scored his 10th goal in all competitions with a measured finish.

The game opened up in the final five minutes of the first-half with Augsburg attempting their first shot on target before Chris Führich’s effort denied by the woodwork. Stuttgart maintained the pressure after the break with Führich picking up where he left off.

Around the hour mark, Thorup went for a double change to introduce Essende and Kömür. The latter had two chances to tie the score, but Alexander Nübel denied the teenager on both occasions.

Enzo Millot’s substitution helped Stuttgart to see out the win, but the skillful French midfielder limped off the field after a harsh challenge by Dimitrios Giannoulis in the final action of the game.