Cup Exit in Stuttgart: Dortmund's Title Hopes Fade
Borussia Dortmund's title hopes took a hit as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the DFB Cup round of 16 against VfB Stuttgart. Coach Edin Terzic's men watched their opponents steal the show, with both goals coming from the Swabians in the form of a double tunnel strike.
In the 54th minute, the decisive blow was struck as Millot tunnelled Hummels on the edge of the penalty area and passed to Serhou Guirassy, who squeezed the ball through Kobel's legs to open the scoring for Stuttgart. And thus, Dortmund's cup journey came to an end, leaving sports fans disappointed.
The BVB sat ten points behind Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen after their exit from the cup. Still, fellow Bundesliga participants like Malen and Jadon Sancho's potential loan or swap deal could offer some hope for reinforcing the team's offense. While the German premier class is full of top-notch contenders, Stuttgart, currently enjoying their finest form, has already eliminated several high-profile teams, including Bayern and Union Berlin, and now has a chance to make history with the first cup triumph since 1997.
Goals and Red Card
In their Bundesliga clash with Dortmund on February 8, 2025, Stuttgart took the lead in the 50th minute through an own goal from Waldemar Anton, who deflected a Chris Führich cross into his own net. The home team scored their second goal in the 61st minute, with Jeff Chabot heading in a cross from Jamie Leweling. The result was sealed when Dortmund's Julian Ryerson received his second yellow card in the 90th minute and was sent off.
Possession and Chances
Dortmund held the majority of the possession, but their inability to convert chances into goals proved their downfall. Stuttgart's solid defense and goalkeeping kept the BVB at bay, making it a memorable victory for the Swabians.
Sold-out Stadium and Attendances
The match was played before a packed Signal Iduna Park with 81,365 spectators in attendance, but the home team's stellar performance left them cheering louder.
Implications
The loss has significant implications for Dortmund, who will need to hastily recover from the setback to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Meanwhile, Stuttgart will continue to dream of their first cup triumph in two decades while hoping to keep their impressive form going.
Player of the Match
Jeff Chabot was the standout performer in the midfield, and his goal deservedly earned him the title of player of the match. His role in the critical double tunnel strike displayed his skill and determination to lift VfB Stuttgart to victory.
