Overview
- Holstein Kiel knocked HSV out of the DFB-Pokal after a 1:1 draw and a 4:2 shootout, with Phil Harres forcing penalties via a 116th‑minute direct free-kick following a disputed foul on Guilherme Ramos.
- Bakery Jatta marked a surprise return by scoring in the 107th minute, and coach Merlin Polzin said the winger has earned his place again after weeks of strong training.
- Kiel goalkeeper Timon Weiner expressed sympathy for 20-year-old Aboubaka Soumahoro after his missed penalty, while Polzin publicly backed the youngster and noted HSV practice spot-kicks regularly.
- Polzin substituted the yellow‑carded Nicolai Remberg on 64 minutes as a precaution, and the match re‑exposed HSV’s striker shortage with Robert Glatzel injured, Yussuf Poulsen still a doubt and Ransford Königsdörffer struggling for impact.
- St. Pauli, fresh off a 2:1 cup win at Mönchengladbach, target a league rebound in Köln without Andréas Hountondji due to a minor muscle injury, as Alexander Blessin eyes Martijn Kaars to start and discusses Africa Cup release timing with Benin coach Gernot Rohr.