After a lot of difficulties, Schalke 04 qualified for the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal – German Cup – after beating Hertha Berlin by 3-2 at the Veltins Arena. The team from the capital started ahead with goals from Pascal Kopke and Krzystof Piatek. The Royal Blues got the draw with Daniel Caligiuri and Amine Harit. The winning goal came with Benito Raman, already at the extra time.

The first half was totally for the visitors. In the opening minutes, Marius Wolf had the opportunity to open the scoring, but sent the shot over the crossbar. With so much pressure, the goal was just a matter of time. And at the 12th minute, it came. Kopke sent a left-footed shot from a very close range after a cross from Wolf and sent the ball past goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.

The home team didn’t feel that much the goal. In the following minutes, they even created more chances and threatened Hertha’s keeper. However, it was the visitors who found the back of the net once again, before half-time. At 38th, Kopke assisted the brand new signing, Polish striker Piatek, who put the team from the capital 2 goals ahead on the scoring.

The second half was busy for both teams. The Royal Blues managed to show offensive power and had good chances with both Harit and Gregoritsch. Knowing that they wouldn’t have another chance, once in the German Cup there is just one match, the home side had to do everything they could.

At the 75th minute, Schalke 04 got their first goal with Caligiuri sending a left-footed shot to the bottom right corner. 6 minutes later, they got the draw with Harit. With that, they were able to take the match to the extra time.

It was clear that the home side wanted the victory, but the visitors didn’t slow down also. However, things got a little complicated to Hertha when Jordan Torunarigha saw the second yellow after a fight with Schalke’s manager David Wagner – who was also sent off. With one player more, the Royal Blues went full-attack and with 8 minutes left, they scored the winning goal. 3-2 and the qualification.

An amazing comeback for Schalke 04, who will now wait for the draw to see who they are going to face on the quarter-finals.