BVB Bows Out of DFB Cup with 2-0 Loss to Stuttgart
The dreams of Borussia Dortmund (BVB) winning the title this season are on shaky ground after a 2-0 defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Cup's last 16 round. The Swabians, buoyed by their recent wins, scored twice in front of 54,200 spectators, thanks to Serhou Guirassy and substitute Silas. The defeat leaves BVB ten points behind Bundesliga leaders, Bayer Leverkusen.
Stuttgart's striker duo of Guirassy and Deniz Undav gave BVB troubles in their three-man backline, with captain Emre Can defending on the right. Stuttgart dominated the game but, unlike in their 2-1 league win three weeks ago, BVB managed to restrict their chances. Bynoe-Gittens' mistake went unpunished before halftime, and Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Niclas Füllkrug watched from the sidelines.
BVB manager Edin Terzic introduced Brandt in the second half to provide more attacking impetus, but he, too, struggled to make an impact. VfB should have scored again when Kobel denied Millot. Once again, Bynoe-Gittens' disallowed goal for offside halted Borussia's offense, only for Silas to score the second.
BVB faces RB Leipzig next in the Bundesliga, desperate for points to secure a Champions League spot. Despite the defeat, the team retains hope, with Loanneger Gregor Kobel's impressive saves keeping the scoreline from becoming a rout.
Upcoming Matches
Bayer Leverkusen vs. TSG Hoffenheim (23rd Feb, 19:30 CET) VfB Stuttgart vs. TSG Hoffenheim (23rd Feb, 19:30 CET) Borussia Dortmund vs. Sporting CP (UEFA Champions League) (19th Feb, Return leg, 3-0 win for BVB)[3] Bayer Leverkusen vs. VfB Stuttgart (16th Mar, 19:30 CET)
- After a disappointing performance, BVB's best title hope this season now seems out of reach following the DFB Cup elimination.
- BVB's defensive line struggled to contain Stuttgart's forward pair, Guirassy and Undav, in their last 16 Cup tie.
- Serhou Guirassy scored yet another goal in the 54th minute and Silas added another to leave BVB with a big mountain to climb.
- Julian Brandt, Marco Reus, and Niclas Füllkrug sat out the 2-0 loss in the Bundesliga duel three days prior to this game.
- Edin Terzic reacted by bringing in Julian Brandt and changing the team's formation to boost Borussia Dortmund's chances in attack.
- Stuttgart dominated the match but failed to convert their biggest chances early on, leaving the door open for BVB to catch up.
- Bynoe-Gittens' controversial disallowed goal halted Borussia's momentum in the second half, but the youngster still flashed moments of brilliance.
- Former Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager Julian Nagelsmann now coaches the German national team.
- Midfielder Emre Can, who once played for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, now defends for BVB, who will now focus on the Bundesliga to make Champions League spots.
- VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen face off again in the Bundesliga on March 16th, following their league clash earlier this season.
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Enrichment Data:
- Bayer Leverkusen will face TSG Hoffenheim on February 23, 2025, and VfB Stuttgart on March 16, 2025.
- Borussia Dortmund won their UEFA Champions League playoff returns 3-0 against Sporting CP on February 19, 2025.
- RB Leipzig's upcoming matches are not specified in the provided sources.
