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Deniz Undav’s toe-poke led Stuttgart to a 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel, securing a German Cup semi-final spot alongside Bayer Leverkusen.
![Stuttgart to a 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel [AFP Photo]](https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/07/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&width=400&height=225 "Stuttgart to a 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel [AFP Photo]"){kind=logo}
Stuttgart to a 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel [AFP Photo]
An unconventional toe-poke by Deniz Undav set Stuttgart on course for a 3-0 victory against Holstein Kiel on Wednesday, securing their place in the semi-finals of the German Cup.
With Stuttgart leading 1-0 and Kiel pressing for an equaliser in the final moments, Undav assisted Chris Fuehrich’s last-minute goal, sealing the match.
In stoppage time, Stuttgart added another in an unorthodox manner when Atakan Karazor fell in the box and managed to squeeze the ball over the line with his hip.
“The conditions were very difficult – challenging pitch, harsh weather, and an opponent who made us uncomfortable, but what matters is we advanced to the next round,” Fuehrich told ZDF. “That was our objective, and we prepared for it.”
This marks the third time in four seasons that Stuttgart, winners of the Cup on four occasions, have reached the semi-finals.
In subzero conditions in Germany’s frozen north, Kiel performed admirably against their favoured opponents but couldn’t capitalise on the few clear chances either side had.
“We knew what awaited us with the cold. It was a tough game. The Kielers are used to the cold – we are not,” Undav said.
With 56 minutes played, Angelo Stiller delivered a free-kick, allowing Undav to find space in a crowded box and toe-poke the ball, which drifted over the defence and under the crossbar.
Kiel had a late chance to equalise when Aldin Jakupovic broke free with only Stuttgart goalkeeper Alex Nuebel to beat, but he scuffed his shot wide.
Fuehrich and Karazor’s late goals added a definitive touch to Stuttgart’s victory.
Stuttgart, winners in 2025, join 2024 champions Bayer Leverkusen in the final four. Next week, 2022 and 2023 winners RB Leipzig will travel to face 20-time champions Bayern Munich, while Hertha Berlin will host Freiburg.
The draw for the semi-finals will take place in Dortmund on February 22, with the final scheduled at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on May 23.
(With Agency Inputs)
February 05, 2026, 09:01 IST
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