Stuttgart Defeats Leipzig to Reach DFB-Pokal Final Against Underdog Bielefeld
VfB Stuttgart has secured a place in the DFB-Pokal final after an impressive 3-1 home victory over RB Leipzig in the semifinal. The win sets up a surprising final matchup against Arminia Bielefeld, a third-division team that has made a historic run to the title game. The final will take place on May 24 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
Stuttgart – RB Leipzig 3:1 (1:0)
In a season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the Bundesliga, Stuttgart now has a golden opportunity to finish the year with silverware. The semifinal clash at home against RB Leipzig showcased the determination and sharpness of a Stuttgart side aiming for a strong end to their campaign.
The tone was set early in the match when Angelo Stiller found the back of the net in the fifth minute, giving Stuttgart a quick 1-0 lead. After the break, Nick Woltemade extended that lead in the 57th minute, making it 2-0. However, Leipzig responded just five minutes later with a goal from Slovenian international Benjamin Šeško, briefly narrowing the gap and raising hopes of a comeback.
Despite Leipzig’s efforts, including several high-pressure moments, they were repeatedly denied by Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who delivered a standout performance with four crucial saves. The visitors applied pressure throughout the second half, but Stuttgart remained composed and disciplined in defense.
The decisive moment came in the 68th minute when Jamie Leweling restored the two-goal lead for Stuttgart, sealing the 3-1 final score. The goal not only deflated Leipzig’s momentum but also effectively ended their hopes of reaching the final. For Leipzig’s new head coach Zsolt Lőw, the match turned into a disappointing debut. Jürgen Klopp, Global Head of Football at Red Bull, left the stands immediately after the final whistle, underscoring the frustration on Leipzig’s side.
Historic Final in Berlin
Stuttgart will now face Arminia Bielefeld, a club that has captured headlines by becoming the first third-division team to reach the DFB-Pokal final since 2001. Bielefeld’s shocking 2-1 win over Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the other semifinal was one of the biggest upsets in recent cup history. It also marks Bielefeld’s first-ever appearance in the DFB-Pokal final.
Stuttgart, on the other hand, has a more storied history in the competition. The club has won the DFB-Pokal three times, with the most recent triumph dating back to 1997. Their return to the final is a chance to relive past glory and potentially open the door to European competition next season.
Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß was visibly proud of his team’s performance. Speaking to ZDF after the match, he said, “We rewarded ourselves at the right moments and stuck together during the tough ones. I take my hat off to my players—this was outstanding. We’re going to Berlin.”
A victory in the final wouldn’t just bring a prestigious trophy to Stuttgart but could also revive their European ambitions. With a cup title comes not only glory but also a direct path to continental competition—something the club has been striving to return to.
All eyes will now turn to the capital, where two very different stories will collide: Stuttgart’s quest for redemption and Bielefeld’s fairytale run from the third tier to the national stage.
