Berlin, February 11: SC Freiburg secured a spot in the semifinals of the German Cup after a thrilling Penalty Shootout victory over Hertha BSC, winning 6-5. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time, leading to the tense shootout.
Freiburg took an early lead in the third minute with a goal from Yuuito Suzuki. Hertha responded aggressively, with Marton Winkler creating a header opportunity, but they failed to convert. Fabian Reese managed to get the ball over the goal line, but a VAR review disallowed the goal.
As the first half progressed, Freiburg intensified their efforts to regain control. Derry Sherhant tested Hertha’s goalkeeper, Tzark Ernst, twice but could not find the net. On the other end, Freiburg’s Florian Muller kept the score level by saving a header from Linus Gechter.
The pace of the game slowed in the second half, resulting in fewer chances. However, extra time reignited the excitement. In the 96th minute, Suzuki capitalized on a mistake by Gechter to score, giving Freiburg a 1-0 lead. Just eight minutes later, Hertha equalized with a stunning shot from Reese, making it 1-1.
Both teams displayed remarkable composure during the penalty shootout. Muller saved a penalty from Hertha’s Michael Quaison, while Freiburg’s Johann Mnjambi missed his attempt. After a 4-4 tie, Suzuki scored again, and Muller secured Freiburg’s victory by saving Pascal Clemens’ penalty.
Freiburg now joins Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart in the semifinals. The remaining quarterfinal match will feature Bayern Munich against RB Leipzig.
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PAK
