Unforeseen Drama in DFB Cup: Kaiserslautern Triumphs Over Nuremberg, Magdeburg Falls to Düsseldorf
In an unexpected turn of events, the DFB Cup round of 16 yielded thrilling results. Fortuna Düsseldorf and 1. FC Kaiserslautern emerged victorious, ensuring their passage to the next stage.
1. FC Magdeburg - Fortuna Düsseldorf: 1-2 (1:0)
Fortuna Düsseldorf stunned 1. FC Magdeburg with a late comeback, claiming an impressive 2-1 victory in the second division encounter. Daniel Thioune's team mounted a remarkable second-half recovery, with Jona Niemiec scoring the winner in the 92nd minute, following Baris Atik's early goal for Magdeburg. This victory secured Düsseldorf an additional 1.7 million euros in revenue.
Atik's initial shot appeared to be headed for a cross, but Luc Castaignos failed to reach it. Fortuna's keeper, Karol Niemczycki, found himself helpless in the face of the well-struck effort. Magdeburg enjoyed an early advantage, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Xavier Amaechi hit the post after a powerful strike (31'). Düsseldorf gained momentum in the second half and finally managed to find the equalizer through Niemiec, who claimed his second goal in the dying moments of the match.
In the aftermath of Fortuna's victory, captain Jordy de Wijs nearly found an equalizer, but his header hit the post (48'). The visitors continued to press and eventually secured the win through Niemiec.
1. FC Kaiserslautern - 1. FC Nürnberg: 2-0 (0:0)
Dimitrios Grammozis enjoyed a successful debut as coach of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, guiding them to a 2-0 victory against two-division nemesis 1. FC Nürnberg. The Red Devils put an end to their four-game losing streak in competitive matches, advancing to the DFB Cup quarter-finals for the first time in ten years.
Grammozis mentioned that he was eager to get his coaching tenure off to a strong start (post-match interview). Making two alterations to the starting eleven, FCK dominated the early stages, but struggled to maintain their offensive momentum. Nuremberg posed a threat in the second half, with Lautern's goalkeeper, Julian Krahl, saving an Ahmet Gürleyen header from close range (53'). Krahl's impressive display prevented Nürnberg from equalizing.
In the final phases of the match, FCK intensified their attacks, with Grammozis' team-talk paying off. Richand Tachie (75') and Ragnar Ache (78') found the back of the net to secure their victory, leaving Nürnberg in mourning following their recent defeat against Fortuna Düsseldorf (0-5).
Additional, Relevant Information:
- Fortuna Düsseldorf, following their loss to Darmstadt in the second division (2-2), did not advance to the DFB Cup quarter-finals, despite their victory against Magdeburg.
- The DFB Cup quarter-final matches, according to sources, included:
- Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Cologne (extra time)
- VfB Stuttgart 1-0 Augsburg
- Wolfsburg vs. Leipzig (Rescheduled for 26 February)
- Werder Bremen vs. Arminia Bielefeld (Rescheduled for 25 February)
These results determined the teams that advanced to the DFB Cup semi-finals.
