LEIPZIG, Germany — RB Leipzig needed a well-taken second-half penalty from forward Benjamin Šeško to edge VfL Wolfsburg 1-0 on Wednesday and reach the DFB-Pokal last four. The match, held at Red Bull Arena, showcased Leipzig’s resilience as they soaked up pressure from Wolfsburg before seizing the opportunity to secure their semifinal spot.
After a tight first half with few clear chances, Leipzig struggled to find their rhythm as Wolfsburg came out pressing early. The visitors had their best opportunity just after the break when Mohammed Amoura struck the crossbar, threatening to put Leipzig on the back foot.
Yet, it was Leipzig who would strike first. The game turned decisively in the 69th minute when Šeško was awarded a penalty after Wolfsburg’s Kilian Fischer was penalized for handball. The incident occurred when Šeško’s close-range shot hit Fischer’s arm, which was deemed too close to his body. Despite protests from Wolfsburg, the referee pointed to the penalty spot with conviction.
Šeško stepped up and sent keeper Marius Müller the wrong way, coolly slotting the ball low and to the left to put Leipzig up 1-0. This marks Šeško’s continued form, showing his value for Leipzig as he has scored now in each of the three German Cup games this season.
Leipzig’s defense remained resolute after the goal, fending off any potential equalizer from Wolfsburg. The team had to withstand late pressure as they looked to preserve their lead. Kevin Behrens, who came on as a substitute, missed a golden opportunity for Wolfsburg, leaving his team frustrated.
Reacting to the tense situation following the penalty decision, Leipzig's defender David Raum commented, "I'm also a defender, I know how it is -- sometimes the referee decides it way. It's the luck of the game and we'll take it." His words echoed the emotions on the pitch, recognizing the fine margins often present within cup matches.
The significance of this win is not lost on Leipzig, who have made it to the last four of the DFB-Pokal for the third consecutive year. They have lifted the trophy twice recently, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Their performance on Wednesday demonstrated not only their determination but also their experience under pressure.
With this victory, Leipzig joins defending champion Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, and third-tier Arminia Bielefeld, who stunned Werder Bremen with a 2-1 win, to complete the semifinals lineup. The draw for the matchups will be held on Sunday, with the semifinals set for April 1 and 2.
This year’s DFB-Pokal final is scheduled for May 24, and the anticipation builds as Leipzig aims for another triumph. Early season struggles seem far behind as they continue to gain momentum, showcasing their defensive solidity and attacking talents.
From here, it will be fascinating to see how Leipzig navigates the next rounds, if they can employ the winning mentality demonstrated throughout their cup campaign. The stakes are set high as they look to add another chapter to their growing legacy within German football.