Borussia Mönchengladbach's cup journey this season is gaining momentum, following their thrilling 1-0 victory against VfL Wolfsburg in the DFB Cup round of 16. The Borussians are now eyeing a chance to shine, even against some heavyweights who have bitten the dust.
Sporting director Roland Virkus expressed his optimism post-quarter-final appearance, acknowledging the reduced competition path and the increased odds. "The landscape is narrowing, the stakes are high," he stated, considering the eliminations of Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. "Then we've got a shot," Virkus confidently asserted.
The victory came down to the wire, courtesy of a last-minute header from Manu Koné. "It wasn't pretty, but it doesn't matter," praised Virkus. "What counts is progress, and we certainly made that."
With a lower-ranked opponent on the horizon, Virkus is filled with anticipation. Recalling their past battles with Bundesliga contenders Heidenheim and Wolfsburg, he declared, "Now it's our turn."
Captain Julian Weigl also sees an opportunity for Gladbach to reach a cup final for the first time in 28 years, given the excitement surrounding the competition this year. "Many top-tier teams have already been eliminated. That's why it will undoubtedly give us a boost," he stated.
The cup quarter-final draws are scheduled for 8 December. Since their last cup success in 1995, Borussia Mönchengladbach has triumphed against second-division side VfL Wolfsburg in the final.
In the context of early heavyweight defeats in the DFB Cup, Borussia Mönchengladbach might face lesser-known teams in the quarter-finals. Potential contenders could include Jahn Regensburg and Dynamo Dresden, both 3. Liga teams, among others.
Relevant enrichment data points out that the path could open for an underdog in the quarter-finals due to the early eliminations of heavyweights. Teams like Holstein Kiel and Arminia Bielefeld, while not the lowest in the competition, have already been ousted or are currently in lower leagues. However, the actual quarter-final competitors will depend on the draw, which has yet to be announced.
