VfB Stuttgart defeated Hansa Rostock 4-0 in the DFB-Pokal on 30 August 2026. Dzenan Pejcinovic scored three goals in his debut match.

Match Flow

In the first five minutes the VfB eleven took control of the game and passed the ball through their own ranks. The early injury-related substitution of Nikolas Nartey by Josha Vagnoman did not unsettle the team. After an early shot by Jeff Chabot (7) and further approaches by Maximilian Mittelstädt (11) and Deniz Undav (14), Pejcinovic scored the first goal with a strong solo action (18). Chris Führich (20) and a long-range shot from Chabot (25) created further danger.

The second goal came again from Pejcinovic, who extended the lead after 38 minutes. Before halftime Hansa Rostock had a chance that was cleared by Fabian Bredlow (41). Tiago Tomás and Jeff Chabot missed the last two chances of the first half (44).

After a brief pause caused by a pyro-smoke cloud, the second half remained dull. The VfB had to change again due to injury: Chris Führich injured his thigh and was replaced by Bilal El Khannouss. Shortly after the VfB took the lead to 0-3: Tiago Tomás scored (74). Pejcinovic, after a pass from Josha Vagnoman, added a third goal and finished his debut in the Brustring kit with a 4-0 final score.

Goals

  • 0:1 - 18′: Pejcinovic received a pass from Tiago Tomás and finished with a placed shot into the right lower corner.
  • 0:2 - 38′: After a pass from Deniz Undav, Pejcinovic played the ball in and shot from the left under the crossbar.
  • 0:3 - 74′: Tiago Tomás scored from a tight angle after a double pass from Undav and Stiller.
  • 0:4 - 82′: Josha Vagnoman sprinted down the right flank, entered the penalty area, and set up Pejcinovic for a direct finish to make it 4-0.

Quotes

Sebastian Hoeneß: "We wanted to decide the game within 90 minutes and we did. The goals helped calm the game." Deniz Undav: "It was a decisive win and a good debut for Dzenan." Pejcinovic: "I’m happy with my debut and restoring confidence in me. After the 2-0 we still had to add another layer, which we did." Daniel Brinkmann: "We never gave up. With the third VfB goal the game was decided."

Highlights

Both new signings, Grischa Prömel and Dzenan Pejcinovic, made their first competitive appearance in the Brustring kit. Pejcinovic not only debuted but also scored the first two season goals for VfB and the fourth goal of the match.

Upcoming Dates

The VfB starts the Bundesliga on 28 August 2026. The first home league match against 1. FC Köln is on 4 September. The UEFA Champions League draw takes place on 27 August in Monaco.

Next in the Cup

The draw for the second DFB-Pokal round will be held on 5 September in Dortmund. The ARD will broadcast live.