Stuttgart make semi-finals of DFB-Pokal with win over Augsburg

Sebastian Hoeneb's team initially struggled to find their rhythm against a high-pressing Augsburg side, who enjoyed the better of the early stages without creating any clear-cut openings.

With 26 minutes gone, Deniz Undav was denied from close range by Augsburg goalkeeper Nediljko Labrovic after running on to a magnificent Angelo Stiller pass into the penalty area.

Just four minutes later, however, Stuttgart were ahead after a defensive error from the visitors. Frank Onyeka's attempted clearance from a long ball struck Undav and landed at the feet of Demirovic. The VfB striker returned the ball to Undav, who sent a low shot into the bottom left corner.

The hosts grew into the game after that, striking the outside of the post in the 45th minute through Chris Führich before going into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead.

Hoeneß's charges hit the ground running after the restart and dominated the early stages of the second period. Augsburg, however, also re-emerged with greater energy as the game developed into a hard-fought contest.

Undav sent an effort over the bar from the edge of the area in the 70th minute, before Alex Nubel saved a powerful long-range drive from Mert Komur just 60 seconds later. In an open and nail-biting end to the game, VfB's team spirit, work ethic and will to fight for one another helped them defend their narrow advantage and book their place in the last four of the DFB Cup.

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