In a dramatic DFB-Pokal quarterfinal, SC Freiburg eliminated Hertha Berlin following a penalty shootout that concluded the match with a final score of 4-2 in penalty kicks. The match played at the Olympiastadion witnessed a tight contest over 120 minutes, where both teams struggled to break the deadlock. Yuito Suzuki opened the scoring for Freiburg in the 96th minute, capitalizing on a critical error from Hertha's Linus Gechter. However, Hertha's hopes were reignited when their captain, Fabian Reese, scored a stunning equalizer in the 104th minute, leading to the penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1.

The penalty shootout was filled with tension as Freiburg's goalkeeper Florian Müller saved the crucial penalty from Pascal Klemens, sealing Freiburg's advancement to the semifinal. This victory for Freiburg marks their continued dominance in the DFB-Pokal, having knocked out a second-tier club for the third consecutive time in the tournament. Their next challenge will be against Bayern Munich or RB Leipzig, as they vie for a place in the final.

The match, attended by 56,743 fans, highlighted the resilience of both teams but ultimately showcased Freiburg's skill and temperament in high-pressure scenarios. As the tournament progresses, Freiburg's performance bolsters their reputation in German football, while the defeat leaves Hertha Berlin with a bitter end to their cup aspirations, especially playing at their own stadium during this high-stakes encounter.