Undav sends Stuttgart into Pokal semis in Kiel

Deniz Undav’s brilliant finish and two late goals helped the DFB-Pokal holders to progress into the semi-finals.

Holstein Kiel held Stuttgart to a 2-2 draw when the two teams last met in the Bundesliga, but Steven Skrzybski was missing this tie with injury. However, the hosts had all the chances in the first 20 minutes.

Despite Stuttgart spending the first five minutes in Kiel’s half, Alexander Nübel was the first goalkeeper to be tested with Adrián Kaprálik’s shot from a difficult angle. The winger had another attempt after Andu Kelati’s half-chance.

Last season’s winners dominated the next 10 minutes with Chris Führich and Deniz Undav starting to show their level. The latter set up Bilal El Khannouss after Timon Weiner missed dealing with an easy cross, but the Moroccan’s weak effort was blocked.

Stuttgart also started slowly after the break, but they took the lead with a smart finish from Undav in the 57th minute. The in-form striker gets the all-important touch to beat Weiner as Kiel struggle to properly clear El Khannouss’ free-kick delivery. Kiel’s goalkeeper required treatment, but there was no foul from Undav as he scored his 15th goal of the season.

Kiel were unable to react quickly, and they were fortunate not to concede the second when El Khannouss was denied from close range in the 75th minute. Kapralik missed a great chance after Nübel’s first save of the half from substitute Aldin Jakupovic.

Führich and Phil Harres called the goalkeepers into action before two late goals gave a flattering scoreline for the holders. Undav was involved in both goals as he first sets up Führich’s strike before his linkup play with Ermedin Demirovic ended up in a third goal for Stuttgart after a bizarre finish from Atakan Karazor. The captain scored with the ball deflected to him while he was brought down on the goal line.

Stuttgart will face another team involved in midweek cup action with their trip to Hamburg for a Bundesliga game against St. Pauli. Kiel are also on the road as they play promotion hopefuls Hannover before entertaining 2. Bundesliga leaders Schalke. The remaining two quarter-final ties will be played next weekend.