SC Freiburg navigated a tense German Cup quarterfinal against Hertha BSC, triumphing 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through regular and extra time. The Berlin showdown delivered edge-of-your-seat action, culminating in heroics from Freiburg’s goalkeeper.
Suzuki’s third-minute rocket set the tone, putting Freiburg ahead almost immediately. Hertha mounted waves of attacks: Winkler’s header was cleared off the line, and Reese’s ‘goal’ was chalked off by VAR after pinpoint scrutiny.
Freiburg nearly doubled down before the break, with Scherhunt’s double effort repelled by Ernst. Muller matched his counterpart, clawing away Gechter’s header to keep Freiburg’s dream alive.
The second period lacked fluidity, but extra time was electric. Suzuki exploited Gechter’s slip at 96 minutes for a second goal. Hertha hit back swiftly via Reese’s sublime long-range effort, dragging the match to penalties.
In the shootout, misses defined the drama—Muller’s save on Küssens countered Manzambi’s slip for Freiburg. Suzuki’s composure restored order at 4-4, and Muller’s block on Klemens handed Freiburg the win.
Freiburg’s reward is semifinal company with Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart. Eyes now turn to Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig, where the winner completes the final four in this prestigious tournament.