Headlining the DFB Cup action, St. Pauli extinguishes Homburg's fairytale dream, while Gladbach and Wolfsburg engage in a tussle lasting 120 minutes.
DBF Cup Tobinade for St. Pauli and Misfortune for Homburg
Tireless St. Pauli edges out Homburg, securing a 4-1 (1-1) quarter-finals victory in the DFB Cup. Homburg, the second-division leaders, had hoped to continue their cup journey, but captain Michael Mendler's goal in the 28th minute was all they could manage, even after a bizarre own-goal in the 1-1 equalizer. Hauke Wahl, Elias Saad, Marcel Hartel, and Johannes Eggestein added to St. Pauli's tally, extending their unbeaten streak.
Homburg, determined to make the "game of a lifetime" count, had previously shoveled snow and laid down tarpaulins for playing conditions. However, despite their ambition, St. Pauli claimed an early lead when Hauke Wahl converted a disorganized scramble.
David against Goliath mentality shone through as Homburg equalized soon after when a defender's mistake allowed Michael Mendler to prosper. As the game progressed, fatigue crept into the lower-league club, and St. Pauli capitalized, with Elias Saad, Marcel Hartel, and Johannes Eggestein all notching a goal.
Quarter-finals Turn of Events: Gladbach Shocks Wolfsburg
In an unexpected turn of events, Borussia Mönchengladbach narrowly thwarted VfL Wolfsburg in the DFB Cup quarter-finals. Manu Koné scored the lone goal in extra time, giving Gladbach their fifth consecutive home victory, which comes as a significant blow on Niko Kovac's tenure with Wolfsburg, who have now suffered seven away losses in a row.
With VfL Wolfsburg determined to shake off the bitter 3-1 defeat from their last league meeting, borussia Park's match started with passion. Unfortunately, both teams lacked creativity and precision throughout. Despite Borussia's 18-year-old Fabio Chiarodia's debut, neither side maintained a strong defense.
Wolfsburg fought back in the second half, only for Tiago Tomas' (86') and Jonas Wind's (90') chances to go unconverted. In extra time, Joakim Maehle missed a golden opportunity, leading to Gladbach's eventual victory.
Notable, Manu Koné did not score the decisive goal against VfL Wolfsburg as reported in some sources. The actual quarter-finals between VfL Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim resulted in a 3-0 victory for Wolfsburg.
Sources:
[2] Manu Koné did not score the winning goal in the quarter-finals between Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfL Wolfsburg. More info.
St. Pauli dominates the cup dreams of lower-tier Homburg, while Wolfsburg succumbs to a lack of creativity against Borussia Mönchengladbach, who successfully advances.
