FC Berlin staged a dramatic comeback on Friday, defeating VFC in a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the final.

Trailing from the outset, Berlin found their equalizer midway through the match, thanks to Luca Franco. Despite the goal, VFC remained dominant for much of the game, with Filip Jovanovic and the outstanding Marko Acimovic making crucial plays to keep the home side at bay.

With just 15 minutes remaining, VFC regained the lead, leaving a depleted Berlin squad in a tough spot — so short on players that even club president Gabe had to step onto the field. But Berlin refused to back down, summoning incredible resilience and determination. Their relentless offensive efforts were consistently repelled by VFC’s staunch defense until the final moments of regulation. In a stunning twist, Acimovic found the net from an improbable angle with just seconds on the clock, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

In the decisive shootout, Berlin held their nerve. Thomas Nunan, Niko Giannopoulos, Augustine James, and Franco all converted their penalties, while Acimovic missed his attempt. Jovanovic made a crucial save on VFC’s first shot, and when VFC missed their fifth, Berlin erupted in celebration. The victory was especially sweet as it avenged their earlier group-stage loss to the same formidable opponent.

RESULTS:
SF#1 - Rohingya FC 5-4 Clout FC
SF#2 - VFC 2-2 FC Berlin (4-5 in PKs)

FINAL GAME:
28/Mar/2025 - 21:00 - Rohingya FC vs FC Berlin @ Bechtel Park - Field #1