DFB Pokal Last 8 Preview | Bayer Leverkusen vs St. Pauli & Holstein Kiel vs VfB Stuttgart | OneFootball

It’s the first of the DFB Pokal Quarter-finals as Bayer Leverkusen host St. Pauli on Tuesday, whilst Holstein Kiel take on VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. Is there an upset on the cards, and if so, where will it come? Here is your preview of the first two matches of this season’s DFB Pokal Quarter-finals. 

Bayer Leverkusen vs St. Pauli

It’s 6th hosting 17th on Tuesday evening when Leverkusen take on St. Pauli. On paper, this looks like a forgone conclusion given that St. Pauli haven’t won a Bundesliga game since September 14th (yes, really). However, the DFB Pokal works in mysterious ways, and it’s not uncommon for the magic of the cup to provide a convenient distraction from domestic shortcomings. 

After all, St. Pauli have had to beat Bundesliga opposition in every round of the Pokal so far, including an incredible 8-7 on penalties against now high-flying TSG Hoffenheim. The match against Leverkusen will be tough, but it’s a free hit for the Hamburgers. They’ve got nothing to lose and all of it to gain. Leverkusen may have turned a corner over the past couple of weeks, but Kasper Hjulmand’s side aren’t exactly world-beaters all the time. 

For Leverkusen, it’s a big opportunity not only in the context of reaching the final four of the DFB Pokal but also a reassurance in terms of European football. 

Currently in 6th spot, B04 had lost ground on the top four at the start of 2026 when they suffered back-to-back losses against TSG Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart. Whilst they have a game in hand and plenty of football still to be played, the DFB Pokal does offer a backdoor into Europe should they fail to keep up with other European hopefuls. Whilst winning the trophy will be a priority, the prospect of having a European lifeline will also be in the back of the coaches, players, and fans’ minds alike. 

Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see St. Pauli stay in this one late into the game. They haven’t conceded many goals of late, despite not winning. If they can keep the score within one goal going into the 80th minute, Pauli have a puncher’s chance of pulling off a real shock in the DFB Pokal. 

Holstein Kiel vs VfB Stuttgart

If we’re speaking about shocks this week, we can’t look any further than this one. We have 2. Bundesliga outfit Holstein Kiel hosting VfB Stuttgart, who currently look one of the favourties to finish in the top four of the Bundesliga this season. 

Since relegation back to the second tier last season, Kiel have had a very average season, currently sitting in 11th spot and with an unrealistic chance of mounting any sort of late promotion charge. 

However, when it comes to the DFB Pokal this season, Kiel have overcome the likes of VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV away. Stuttgart does pose a different kind of opposition given their current form in the Bundesliga. However, with home advantage, they may be able to make it uncomfortable for the Swabians. Having sold several players last season, Kiel have found goals hard to come by, whilst not always conceding many. They’re be looking to top goalscorer David Zec to add to his four goals this season if they’re to pull off a real shock and make it to the final four of the DFB Pokal. 

For VfB Stuttgart, this is a real banana skin if they’re not careful. Everything seems to be going right for them right now. Having recently beaten the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg last weekend, Stuttgart are on course for a top-four finish and reaching the Champions League once again. However, similarly to Leverkusen, the DFB Pokal not only provides glory and would make them back-to-back winners but also provides a backdoor entry to Europe, just in case it doesn’t go to plan domestically. 

Stuttgart have faced 2. Bundesliga opposition twice already in this year’s Pokal. Most recently against VfL Bochum away (0-2 win) and in the first round, where they needed penalties to get past Eintracth Braunsweig after a thrilling 4-4 draw. The Swabians have come a long way since that first round drama, and they’re more than capable of getting into the final four on Wednesday. Expect head coach Sebastian Hoeneß not to take this lightly and play a strong starting XI. 

It’s all in Stuttgart’s hands, whilst Kiel (like St. Pauli) has a puncher’s chance of pulling off a bit of DFB Pokal magic. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen