Highlights: Saarbrücken - Kaiserslautern | Semi Final | DFB-POKAL 2023/2024

For the first time in 13 years, we have a DFB-Pokal semi-final that doesn't feature a Bundesliga team. As third tier Saarbrücken face second division Kaiserslautern. The hosts have knocked out three Bundesliga teams, including Bayern München. Their local rivals, Kaiserslautern, are in poor form in Bundesliga 2. It's the fifth time Saarbrücken have reached the semis. They've never made the final. Saarbrücken last reached the semis four years ago. That was as a fourth division team. That's poor clearance from Himmelmann. Straight to Kerber. And in towards Naifi. The flag is up, so it wouldn't have counted. But that was a real scare for the visitors. A sloppy clearance from Himmelmann. And as you can see, Naifi well offside. But early jitters for Kaiserslautern. Long throw by Gauss is a real weapon for Saarbrücken. It'll be collected by Rizzuto. Lovely ball in. Can't clear their lines here. It's all a bit of a mess. And Telge couldn't get his shot away without fouling his man. But once again, Kaiserslautern looking nervous here under Saarbrücken pressure. And the free kick eases that pressure. They haven't had a lot to cheer about so far. Lautern have won seven of their previous 11 semifinals. But they're under pressure here again. Naifi! Good save by Himmelmann! And he gathers at the second attempt. Rudiger Thiel's team starting to really open up here. Saarbrücken only 11th in the Dritter Liga. They've won just three of their last nine in the league. They've saved their best for this competition. That's Al-Mahmoud Touré. Fouls Kai Brünke. Who will it be? Will it be the in-swinger or the out-swinger? It's Gauss' delivery. Lovely ball in! And that's their best chance by Miles. Kai Brünke, who has scored in three of their four ties in this competition this season. He's got ten goals in the league. But he's off target there. And you don't need to tell him what a big chance that was. 0-0 at the break. It's been tense and tight with so much at stake. It is on a knife edge at the Ludwigsparkstadion. Kaiserslautern have come out for this second half with real intensity. And they're committing men forward here. Here is Kallox. It's Philipp Kallox! And finally a shot on goal from the Red Devils. But it was straight at Schreiber. Friedhelm Funkel has twice reached the final as a coach but lost both times. Kaiserslautern are starting to take measure of control here. Here is Nihus. Trying to squeeze it through. He'll try again. He's found Al-Mahmy Toure. Toure's cross. Ritter! Oh, it's gone straight through! Marlon Ritter! With the opening goal. But it's a horrible moment for Tim Schreiber. Straight through his legs. Just didn't judge the bounce. And it is Ritter's second goal in the cup this season. A spike in adrenaline. That's got to feel good. Saarbrücken looking for a response. In by Ritsuto. Poor clearance by Toure. Gauss. Oh, and cleared as Kerber was coming in. But Saarbrücken starting to build some pressure here. And it was excellent cover by Puhatsch. It'll be Puhatsch to take. Oh, it's a lovely ball in! And there'll be Toure! What a time to get it. And a hammer block. Rüdiger Ziel's team. Gorgeous delivery. And Toure, who won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, shows that he is the man for the big occasion. It is a massive goal. Moving towards the final ten minutes. What can the third tier side do to rescue their cup dream? Time is the enemy. Ritsuto has done well to get away from the first man. Still going! And over the top. By Brünke. With the chance to get back into the game. And he flashed by. He's trying to lift his players, but he knows that was a huge moment. Puhatsch to take. It's another great delivery. Stoilkovic! What a sensational effort from the substitute, Filip Stoilkovic. He hit that so very sweetly. Great save. 89th minute. It's got to happen now for Saarbrücken. Stähler! Simon Stähler with what could be their final chance. It is just not their night. Final seconds. All eyes on the referee, Marco Fritz. For the first time in 21 years, Kajsa Slankton are going to the final. And after 35 years as a coach, Funkel will have the chance to win this trophy, having won it as a player. The Red Devils have succeeded here, where Bayern failed, Frankfurt failed, and Gladbach failed. But for Saarbrücken, this wonderfully improbable, illogical run is over. The sting will take a long time to fade, but the pride in this amazing cut run should be eternal. For Kajsa Slankton, the sweetest of derby wins, and a shot at glory is on the horizon. Can they write themselves into club folklore next month?