VfB Stuttgart advanced to the German Cup final with a convincing 3-1 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, reaching their first final in 12 years while extending their opponents’ recent struggles.
Angelo Stiller gave Stuttgart an early advantage with a spectacular 20-meter volley in the fifth minute. Despite Leipzig creating several chances, with Lois Openda being denied three times by Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel, the hosts doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Nick Woltemade finished a well-worked move after Stuttgart won possession.
Leipzig, Cup winners in 2022 and 2023, responded six minutes later through Benjamin Sesko and hit the woodwork late in the game. However, Jamie Leweling secured Stuttgart’s victory in the 73rd minute, scoring from close range following a goal-mouth scramble.
“Yes we will go to Berlin,” said delighted Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness. “We worked hard against a tough Leipzig team. We were rewarded for our efforts by scoring at the right times. We defended with passion and how we dealt with Leipzig’s goal for the 2-1 was outstanding.”
Stuttgart will face third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the final, after Bielefeld stunned holders Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in Tuesday’s semi-final. Stuttgart last won the German Cup in 1997.
The defeat marked a disappointing debut for Leipzig’s new coach Zsolt Low, who took charge following Marco Rose’s dismissal on Sunday. Leipzig, who have won just one of their last six Bundesliga games and dropped to sixth place, were watched by the Red Bull soccer leadership, including global head of soccer Juergen Klopp.
“The disappointment is bitter. In many areas we were better than Stuttgart,” said Leipzig coach Low. “We tried to work harder in the second half. Now we need to process this. It is a setback for us because we wanted to reach the final.”
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