DFB-Pokal: Kiel stun Hoffenheim with penalty shootout victory
| Tim Walter | Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images |
Holstein Kiel knocked out Hoffenheim from the DFB-Pokal in the only second round tie that wasn't decided after 90 minutes. Tim Walter's side became the sixth 2. Bundesliga representative to survive the first two rounds of the competition, while the other ten places are taken by Bundesliga teams.
In a quickfire start by both teams, the Bundesliga outfit found the net first with Adam Hložek's unstoppable volley from close range. Tim Lemperle thought he sealed Hoffenheim's victory ten minutes later with their second goal, but it was canceled for an offside after a VAR check.
Kiel went on to grab the equalizer in a matter of seconds as Adrian Kapralik scored from an acute angle after his energetic run presented him with the chance. Christian Ilzer's side faced another blow when Valentin Gendrey had to be substituted off with an injury ten minutes before the break.
The 2. Bundesliga side even had a chance to take the lead for the first time when Phil Harres had a golden chance in first-half injury-time. The script was different early after the restart as half-time substitute Fisnik Asllani came very close to restore Hoffenheim's lead on two occasions, including when Lio Rothenhagen made amends for his howler with a remarkable save.
However, it was Luca Philipp who was the busiest goalkeeper for the rest of the game as Kiel produced moments to win it before the penalty shootout. Hoffenheim also had three decent opportunities in the second-half of extra-time before the usually reliable Harres failed to hit the target with a golden opportunity in the 120th minute.
None of the other games in this round needed extra-time, but this one even headed into the penalty shootout lottery. Kiel fans celebrated the fact that the shootout was taking place in their corner, but Giorgi Kvilitaia failed to convert the first kick.
With the home fans playing recorded voices through megaphones to unsettle Hoffenheim, Leon Avdullahu blasted his attempt off target. 20-year-old Rothenhagen wins it for Kiel by saving Mats Rats’ weak effort as Hoffenheim are knocked out of the cup.
Hoffenheim will have two more away fixtures on their way as they will hope to extend their Bundesliga streak with a win in Bremen before facing Conference League winners Crystal Palace in Europa League. Tim Walter's Kiel will face fellow relegation-threatened side Greuther Fürth in 2. Bundesliga.
