Last-16 placed booked

Match summary

The home side certainly had the better of the opening stages and regularly opened up gaps in the VfB defence with quick link-up play. In the fourth minute, Fabian Bredlow saved a first chance for Deniz Zeiter, and was then relieved to see Marvin Pieringer’s header sail wide of his right post shortly after.

Chance for Leweling

The early pressure from Paderborn continued with further chances for Clemens Lippmann and Zeitler. At the other end, VfB fashioned their first opportunity with a long-distance effort from Jamie Leweling, which flew just wide of the near post.

Red for Curda – Mittelstädt hits the bar

In a hard-fought contest, Sebastian Hoeneß’ side gradually managed to escape from the hosts’ pressure and were helped in the 37th minute, when SCP captain Laurin Curda was shown a straight red card for a late foul on Bilal El Khannouss.

With the numerical advantage, VfB immediately took control of the game and came close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time, when Maximilian Mittelstädt’s brilliant half-volley from outside the area crashed against the upright.

Double chance for Demirovic  

Stuttgart completely dominated the second half, with Paderborn’s 10 men retreating deep into their own half. Ermedin Demirovic was perfectly played in by Deniz Undav twice in the 66th and 68th minute, but goalkeeper Markus Schubert produced two smart stops to prevent the lead.

Undav clinches it

The hosts held on until the 90th minute, when substitute Chris Führich picked out Undav in the middle and he turned the ball into the net from close range to send VfB through.

Goals

90th minute 0-1: Führich sends a low pass into the penalty area from the left, when Undav steers it in from close range.

Reaction:

VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß: “We struggled to get into the game and were up against a team who were very sharp from the beginning and took the wind out of our sails. We’re not happy with the start and were lucky not to fall behind. The red card changed the game. After that we deserved the win because it was all us and we didn’t allow any more clear goalscoring opportunities. We managed to settle it with virtually the last action of the game. When you’re in a phase like we are currently, the mind plays a role so the team passed a big test of character today. We’re happy to have progressed but credit the good performance of Paderborn.”

Deniz Undav: “The first half-hour was not good from us. Paderborn were a tough nut and more awkward than a lot of our opponents from recent cup seasons. We allowed them into the game with a lot of errors in the first half. We have to work on not allowing those kinds of spells anymore. At the end of the day, though, it’s the result that counts and we’re through.”