The cup triumph is still within reach for six teams. The defending champions are just two wins away from another coup, while a third-division side is looking to spring the next surprise in the quarter-finals. After that, it remains exciting.
Who can still hope for the title?
Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart are already in the semi-finals, having won their quarter-finals three weeks ago. The other two teams for the preliminary round will be determined this week. This Tuesday (8.45pm/ZDF and Sky), the only remaining third-division side Arminia Bielefeld will host Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, who have been struggling of late. On Wednesday (8.45 p.m./Sky), the two first division teams RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg will face off.
Why were the quarter-finals split into two blocks?
This was due to the newly introduced intermediate round in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. To avoid a clash of dates with the UEFA competitions, two cup quarter-finals were scheduled later. The TV contract allows the matches to be split up.
When will the semi-final pairings be drawn?
This Sunday at the Football Museum in Dortmund as part of the ARD sports show from 6.45 pm.
When are the final two rounds scheduled for?
The two semi-finals will take place on April 1 and 2. The final will traditionally be played on May 24 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
How much money is there to be earned?
Eventing in the semi-finals brings a bonus of around 3.35 million euros. That would be a blessing for Arminia Bielefeld in particular, as the cup revenue is not included in the €7 million budget. The Cup winners will pocket 4.3 million euros, while the losing finalists can at least console themselves with around 2.9 million euros. The clubs playing against each other will each receive a 45% share of the income from ticket sales and perimeter advertising.
What else awaits the cup winner?
In addition to fame and money, there is also a starting place in the upcoming league phase of the Europa League to be won. If the winner qualifies for the Champions League or Europa League via the Bundesliga, the starting place goes to the league. There it will then be awarded via the final table.
Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
