Match report
VfL Wolfsburg 0-1 Holstein Kiel: DFB Pokal Upset
VfL Wolfsburg
0–1
FT
Holstein Kiel
Oct 28, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, Holstein Kiel secured a crucial victory over Bundesliga giants VfL Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal. Despite being reduced to ten men early on due to J. Seelt's red card, Wolfsburg could not find the equalizer as Alexander Bernhardsson's penalty proved decisive.
Key Facts
- • Final score: VfL Wolfsburg 0-1 Holstein Kiel
- • J. Seelt received a red card for VfL Wolfsburg in the 36th minute
- • Alexander Bernhardsson scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute
- • Both teams made multiple substitutions throughout the match, adjusting to the flow of play and situation
Lineups
VfL Wolfsburg
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 29 M. Muller (G)
- 26 S. Kumbedi (D)
- 14 J. Seelt (D)
- 4 K. Koulierakis (D)
- 25 A. Zehnter (D)
- 27 M. Arnold (M)
- 5 Vini Souza (M)
- 7 A. Skov Olsen (M)
- 24 C. Eriksen (M)
- 9 M. Amoura (M)
- 17 D. Pejcinovic (F)
Substitutes
- 12 P. Pervan
- 8 B. Dardai
- 10 L. Majer
- 11 A. Daghim
- 21 J. Maehle
- 22 M. Angely
- 31 Y. Gerhardt
- 32 M. Svanberg
- 39 P. Wimmer
Holstein Kiel
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Starting XI
- 1 T. Weiner (G)
- 26 D. Zec (D)
- 5 C. Johansson (D)
- 3 M. Komenda (D)
- 23 L. Rosenboom (M)
- 24 M. Knudsen (M)
- 22 S. Schwab (M)
- 47 J. Tolkin (M)
- 11 A. Bernhardsson (F)
- 10 J. Therkelsen (F)
- 20 A. Kapralik (F)
Substitutes
- 21 J. Krumrey
- 2 F. Roslyng
- 6 M. Ivezic
- 13 I. Nekic
- 19 P. Harres
- 25 M. Muller
- 29 N. Niehoff
- 39 R. Wagner
- 45 L. Koster
Timeline
-
4' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardA. Zehnter
Foul
-
18' Holstein Kiel Card · Yellow CardMarco Komenda
Foul
-
24' Holstein Kiel Card · Yellow CardDavid Zec
Foul
-
29' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardJ. Seelt
Foul
-
36' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardJ. Seelt
Foul
-
36' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Red CardJ. Seelt
Foul
-
41' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardMarius Müller
Argument
-
42' Holstein Kiel Goal · PenaltyAlexander Bernhardsson
-
46' VfL Wolfsburg subst · Substitution 1Off: A. Skov Olsen · On: A. Daghim
-
46' VfL Wolfsburg subst · Substitution 2Off: D. Pejcinovic · On: P. Wimmer
-
62' Holstein Kiel Card · Yellow CardCarl Johansson
Foul
-
63' Holstein Kiel subst · Substitution 1Off: L. Rosenboom · On: Ivan Nekić
-
63' Holstein Kiel subst · Substitution 2Off: A. Kapralik · On: P. Harres
-
73' VfL Wolfsburg subst · Substitution 3Off: A. Zehnter · On: J. Maehle
-
78' Holstein Kiel subst · Substitution 3Off: S. Schwab · On: R. Wagner
-
78' Holstein Kiel subst · Substitution 4Off: Alexander Bernhardsson · On: L. Koster
-
85' VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardM. Amoura
Argument
-
89' VfL Wolfsburg subst · Substitution 4Off: Vini Souza · On: B. Dardai
-
89' Holstein Kiel subst · Substitution 5Off: Magnus Knudsen · On: M. Ivezic
-
90'+5 VfL Wolfsburg Card · Yellow CardP. Wimmer
Foul
Match Stats
| Stat | VfL Wolfsburg | Holstein Kiel |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 15 | 14 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 85% |
| Offsides | 4 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 14 | 13 |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Total Passes | 462 | 448 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 | 3 |
| Blocked Shots | 4 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 3 |
| xG | — | — |
| Shots off Target | 8 | 7 |
| Possession | 50% | 50% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 387 | 381 |
| Shots Inside Box | 5 | 10 |
| Saves | 2 | 2 |
| Shots Outside Box | 9 | 3 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ VfL Wolfsburg's early red card to J. Seelt shifted momentum in favor of Holstein Kiel
- ▸ Alexander Bernhardsson's penalty goal secured a historic win for Holstein Kiel, maintaining their lead until the final whistle