VfL Wolfsburg took part in the DFB Cup Fabian Reese returns to Berlin just saved into the second round. The Bundesliga relegated team from Lower Saxony won in the amateur stadium of Reese’s former club Hertha BSC in the penalty shootout with 6:5 (0:1, 2:2, 3:3) against the regional soccer team VSG Altglienicke.
Kilian Fischer converted the decisive penalty. Previously, among others, Reese, who was whistled every time he touched the ball 69 days after his much-discussed move from the capital to VfL, missed. VfL goalkeeper Jakub Zielinski, who had made a serious mistake in regular time, made two saves.
In a real cup fight, Wolfsburg came from behind three times. Jonas Nietfeld (6th minute), Jonas Saliger (71st) and Mehmet Ibrahimi (109th) scored for VSG in front of 5,000 fans. Maximilian Arnold (55th and 83rd) and Hauke Wahl (117th) equalized after an assist from Reese.
Fabian Reese active, but often unlucky
The prominent ex-Herthan players John Anthony Brooks and Tolga Cigerci sat on the bench and in the stands for the ambitious regional league team. The sporting director Torsten Mattuschka also watched the game from the stands.
The Wolfsburg team, clear favorites for promotion in League Two, seemed overwhelmed in the early stages by the fourth division team’s enthusiasm and intensity. Nietfeld, who had already headed VSG to victory in the state cup, completed a direct cross from close range. The Berliners were unable to capitalize on any further good opportunities. Reese was an asset to his team, but often without much impact.
The Wolves got better, but were initially mainly dangerous with long-range shots. It was a precise long-range shot from substitute captain Arnold that brought the score to 1-1 for VfL. The second division team was clearly superior, but missed too many chances. VfL keeper Zielinski gave VSG the lead again with his bad pass. Arnold answered again.
Both teams couldn’t do much in extra time. Then Arnold misjudged a header. Ibrahimi scored and caused huge celebrations, but Wolfsburg came back again.