Stuttgart Shocks Struggling RB Leipzig to Claim Spot in DFB-Pokal Final

VfB Stuttgart has secured their place in the DFB-Pokal final for the first time since 2013, overcoming RB Leipzig with a decisive 3-1 victory. This victory sets up an exciting clash in Berlin against the third-tier side, Arminia Bielefeld.

After Marco Rose’s three-year tenure ended in disappointment, the Red Bulls hoped for a new beginning under interim coach Zsolt Low. However, the early signs were troubling as the home team took an early lead within a commanding first 10 minutes.

Following the visitors’ defence successfully clearing an initial corner, the ball fell to Angelo Stiller, who unleashed a stunning volley from the edge of the area that left keeper Maarten Vandevoordt with no chance.

A few minutes later, Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic had a shot saved by Alexander Nubel, which marked the peak of Stuttgart’s dominance. Soon after, it was Stuttgart’s goal that came under pressure.

As Leipzig began to find their rhythm, Nubel emerged as the standout performer, making a series of incredible saves, especially denying Lois Openda on three occasions to maintain Stuttgart’s lead.

Two brilliant stops came within a three-minute span to thwart the Belgian striker at the 15-minute mark, but Nubel’s finest moment was midway through the first half when he managed to tip away a sure goal from Openda.

The second half began in a rather uneventful manner until Stuttgart orchestrated a brilliant move leading to their second goal.

Capitalising on careless play from the opposition, Nick Woltemade and Demirovic combined beautifully, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina forward delivering a clever no-look pass that allowed Woltemade to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

With Jurgen Klopp watching from the stands, Leipzig quickly responded as Stuttgart failed to adequately clear a corner, allowing Benjamin Sesko to poke the ball home from close range.

However, optimism for the Saxony team was short-lived; just 11 minutes later, Jamie Leweling scrambled in Stuttgart’s third goal from a corner, securing Die Roten’s position in the final.

Stuttgart’s coach Sebastian Hoenell will head into the final as strong favourites, facing an Arminia team from two divisions below them. However, to claim their first DFB-Pokal title in 28 years, they must avoid becoming the fifth top-flight team to fall to the Westphalian minnows.