VfB Stuttgart advanced to the next round of the DFB-Pokal following a dramatic encounter against Eintracht Braunschweig, ultimately winning 9-8 on penalties after a 4-4 draw following extra time.
The match saw a fast start with Braunschweig taking an early lead through Sven Köhler in the 8th minute. Stuttgart responded quickly, with Ermedin Demirovic leveling the score with a header just four minutes later. Demirovic put Stuttgart ahead in the 60th minute, securing his second goal of the match.
However, Braunschweig rallied, with Fabio Di Michele Sanchez equalizing in the 77th minute and then giving the hosts the lead with a goal in the 85th minute. Stuttgart refused to concede, finding an equalizer once more in the 89th minute through Nick Woltemade.
The match appeared to be decided in extra time as an own goal by Sanoussy Ba put Stuttgart ahead, but Christian Conteh responded for Braunschweig, forcing a penalty shootout with a goal in the 105th minute.
The shootout proved to be a tense affair. VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel proved decisive, saving penalties from Johan Gómez, Max Marie and Lukas Frenkert. Successful spot kicks from Maximilian Mittelstädt, Nick Woltemade, Jamie Leweling, Ermedin Demirovic, Ramon Hendriks, Josha Vagnoman, Atakan Karazor and Lorenz Assignon secured the victory for Stuttgart, despite misses from Dan-Axel Zagadou and Chema Andrés. Levente Szabó, Mehmet Aydın, Sebastian Polter, Léon Bell Bell, Christian Conteh, Kevin Ehlers and Sanoussy Ba all converted for Braunschweig, before the final missed penalty sealed their fate.
The win sees Stuttgart progress in the competition, while Braunschweig, despite a spirited performance, are eliminated.
