In the DFB‑Cup quarter‑final, SC Freiburg won on penalties 5‑4 against second‑tier side Hertha BSC. After a goalless 90 minutes, the match finished 1‑1 at the end of extra time.
The game opened with a strong showing from the Berlin hosts, who began aggressively and pushed high up the pitch. Despite this early intensity, Freiburg adapted effectively during the first half, repeatedly disrupting Hertha’s build‑up and tightening their defense. No goals were scored and the gulf in class remained invisible.
The second half stayed intense, with Hertha pressing and Freiburg holding deeper before exploiting counter‑attack chances. Both teams created opportunities but were unable to convert, keeping the score level.
In extra time, things opened up. In the 96th minute, Yuito Suzuki scored for the hosts after a significant defensive lapse. Freiburg, however, did not capitulate; Fabio Reese equalised in the 104th minute with a powerful distant strike. Unable to find a further deciding goal, the match proceeded to a penalty shoot‑out, where the Bundesliga club displayed superior composure and emerged victorious.