Stuttgart Defeats Holstein Kiel 3-0, Advances to German Cup Semifinals

The defending champions continue their run in the prestigious domestic cup competition.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:55pm

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In a midweek German Cup quarterfinal matchup, Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart defeated second-division club Holstein Kiel by a score of 3-0 to advance to the semifinals of the prestigious domestic cup competition.

Why it matters

The German Cup, known as the DFB-Pokal, is one of the most important domestic cup competitions in European soccer. Reaching the semifinals is a significant achievement for Stuttgart as they look to defend their title from last season.

The details

Stuttgart took control of the match early, scoring three unanswered goals to secure the victory over their lower-league opponents. The Bundesliga club's goals came from a mix of attacking players, showcasing their offensive depth and quality.

  • The match was played on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

VfB Stuttgart

A professional soccer club based in Stuttgart, Germany that plays in the Bundesliga, the top division of German football.

Holstein Kiel

A professional soccer club based in Kiel, Germany that plays in the 2. Bundesliga, the second division of German football.

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What’s next

The winner of the Stuttgart-Holstein Kiel quarterfinal will advance to face the victor of the other remaining quarterfinal matchups in the German Cup semifinals.

The takeaway

Stuttgart's victory over Holstein Kiel demonstrates their continued dominance in the German Cup as they seek to defend their title. The win also highlights the gap in quality between the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, with the top-flight club comfortably dispatching their lower-division opponents.