- VFB advances to the next round of the cup with a resounding 5-0 victory in Münster.
Third obligatory encounter, inaugural success - VfB Stuttgart managed to avoid a disastrous commencement to their season and comfortably advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal with a 5-0 triumph over yet undefeated second division side Preußen Münster. Following two successive defeats in the Supercup against Bayer Leverkusen (3:4 on penalties) and in the opening league match in Freiburg (1:3), the second-place finishers accomplished a well-deserved victory with objectives from Angelo Stiller (7th minute), Ermedin Demirovic (15th), Pascal Stenzel (35th), Nick Woltemade (72nd), and Atakan Karazor (80th, penalty) before 12,672 spectators at the completely sold-out Preußenstadion.
With this result, Stuttgart can continue to anticipate similar extra revenues in this tournament as in the past two years, with a quarterfinal and a semifinal appearance. On the contrary, Münster failed to advance beyond the first round of the competition, just like last year.
Unquestioned superiority from the outset
The deferred game due to Stuttgart's participation in the Supercup showed to be an effortless undertaking for the guests. Despite missing their most recent acquisitions, El Bilal Touré and Ameen Al-Dakhil, and introducing 20-year-old prodigy Anrie Chase for the first time, Stuttgart controlled the proceedings from the start and were awarded promptly. After Münster goalkeeper Morten Behrens stopped a shot from Fabian Rieder, Stiller netted from a short range.
This early advantage noticeably alleviated the tension on Sebastian Hoeneß's team. Eight minutes later, they easily circumvented Münster's defense to expand their lead to 2-0. Following a cross from Stiller, Demirovic headed home from a yard away.
Decision sealed before halftime
Münster attempted to retaliate but struggled defensively. The third objective for Stuttgart mirrored the second: this time, Demirovic delivered from the left, and unmarked Stenzel netted from up close. The game was virtually decisive before the interval.
In the second half, Stuttgart maintained the control yet slowed down the tempo. Coach Hoeneß utilized the opportunity to incorporate additional players like Jamie Leweling and Deniz Undav onto the field. The pressure on Münster's goal never subsided, and new recruit Woltemade netted his inaugural goal for the club with an accurate strike into the top corner, effectively ending any lingering doubt. Captain Karazor also added his name to the scorebook with a penalty.
The 'compulsory' delay due to Stuttgart's Supercup participation didn't hinder their dominance, as the match proved to be an 'compulsory' win for the team. Despite missing key players and introducing a young player, Stuttgart showed 'compulsory' control, securing the victory with ease.
