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Essen (dpa) - Both can write club history, one even a piece of German football history: Fourth division Rot-Weiss Essen and Bayern conqueror Holstein from the 2nd Bundesliga meet this Wednesday (6.30 p.m. / Sky) in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cups for the underdog duel.

For the first time in their club's history, Kiel can move into the semi-finals.

They only reached the quarter-finals in 1943 and 2012, when they failed 4-0 against the later double winner Borussia Dortmund.

Essen already won the pot once (1953), were in the final again (1994) and twice in the semi-finals (1975 and 77).

But you would be the second fourth division after 1. FC Saarbrücken last year to reach the semifinals.

Both have respect for each other, but also see the great opportunity.

And both are relieved that they have avoided the likes of Dortmund, Leipzig, Wolfsburg or Mönchengladbach.

"It is sure to be the perfect lot for both of them," said Essen's coach Christian Neidhart.

«We are fourth division, so we enter the game with humility.

And we know: Anyone who beats Bayern Munich doesn't want to be eliminated by Rot-Weiss Essen, "said Neidhart:" But if we didn't believe in it, Kiel wouldn't have to come. "

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Kiel's trainer Ole Werner takes on the role of favorites, but also warned against the underdog: “If you beat three higher-class teams, it's no longer a coincidence.

They undoubtedly have more quality than fourth division.

It's going to be a tough job. "

If successful, the 32-year-old would also take a third consecutive penalty shoot-out.

"I don't care whether the game lasts 90 or 120 minutes or a few shots longer."

In addition to sporting success, it is also about a lot of money for both of them.

Last year there were 2.8 million euros for reaching the semifinals.

Because of the corona losses and, above all, the lack of audience income, it will be around 20 percent less this season.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210302-99-661075 / 2

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