VfB Stuttgart successfully advanced to the second round of the DFB Cup with a dominant 4-0 away victory over Drittliga side FC Hansa Rostock on Friday. The top-flight team asserted its control from the start of the first-round match, maintaining high ball possession and relentlessly pressing the deeply defensive home side almost throughout the game.
Dzenan Pejcinovic capitalized on Stuttgart’s overwhelming advantage in the 18th minute, scoring the opening goal after beating several opponents in a solo run, making it 1-0. Before the interval, the attacker extended the lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute, taking advantage of a turnover from the Rostock players. The hosts posed very little offensive danger, barring a few isolated moments.
The start of the second half saw play halted for several minutes due to pyrotechnics failing in the Rostock fan section, causing heavy smoke. However, following the resumption of play, Stuttgart maintained complete control of the match tempo. Tiago Tomas sealed the decisive advantage in the 74th minute with a powerful shot that found the bottom of the crossbar. Finally, Pejcinovic completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, converting a cross from the right flank to secure the 4-0 final scoreline for the visitors.
