Right from the outset at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the class difference between the first and second division teams was clear to see. VfB were the more active side from the beginning and created a number of chances, whilst always looking absolutely solid at the back. FSV, on the other hand, rarely made it out of their own half and never even got a sniff of goal. With just four minutes on the clock, Molinaro played a pass across the face of the goal for Hemlein to slot home from close range and give VfB a 1-0 lead. It took until the 38th minute but VfB then doubled their lead as Cacau poked home following a goal mouth scramble, to make it 2-0 going into the break. 

FSV desperately look for a way back 

After the re-start, VfB took the foot off the pedal and only did what was absolutely necessary to maintain their advantage. As a result, the side from Hessen had ever more of the possession but Labbadia’s men were always in control of the game. With the match drawing to a close, VfB then had the final say through Ibo Traore, who made it 3-0 in the 89th minute as he slotted home following a wonderful through ball from Harnik. A convincing performance sees VfB through to the next round of the competition and the club’s dreams of cup final participation in Berlin stay alive – a feat that the players enjoyed celebrating with their most loyal fans in the Cannstatter Kurve.