VfB Stuttgart made short work of third-tier Hansa Rostock in the first round of the DFB Pokal, cruising to an emphatic 4-0 victory at the Ostseestadion. The Bundesliga outfit showed their class from start to finish, ensuring there would be no giant-killing in this German Cup encounter.

Stuttgart's quality tells early

The visitors took control in the opening half-hour, with a well-executed set piece giving them the lead. Stuttgart's high pressing game forced Hansa Rostock into a series of errors, and the second goal followed soon after as a slick passing move carved open the home defence. At 2-0 down, the hosts faced an uphill battle against a side that was clearly operating on a different level.

Cup tie put to bed after the break

Whatever Hansa Rostock's coach said during the interval, the pattern of the game did not change. Stuttgart added a third goal shortly after the restart, showing composure in front of goal and further stretching their advantage. The fourth arrived in the closing stages as the Bundesliga side rounded off a thoroughly professional performance with a late flourish.

DFB Pokal hopes end for Rostock

For Hansa Rostock, this was a harsh lesson in the gap between German football's top tier and the 3. Liga. They had moments of pressure and created a couple of half-chances, but they were ultimately outclassed by a Stuttgart team that looked sharp and ambitious.

VfB Stuttgart, meanwhile, move into the second round of the DFB Pokal with momentum on their side. The emphatic scoreline will give their supporters plenty of encouragement for the season ahead, while Rostock will turn their full attention back to league matters.