Stuttgart has advanced to the German Cup final after a thrilling 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The win sets up a clash with third-division side Arminia Bielefeld in Berlin this May.
Under the watchful eye of Jürgen Klopp, the new head of global soccer for Leipzig’s owners Red Bull, Stuttgart delivered a dominant performance. Goals from Angelo Stiller, Nick Woltemade, and Jamie Leweling secured their path to the final, marking their first potential cup triumph since 1997.
The victory continues Stuttgart’s remarkable rise since coach Sebastian Hoeness took the helm in April 2023. Formerly a youth-team coach at Leipzig, Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart’s fortunes. “We’re going to Berlin,” Hoeness told Germany’s ZDF. “Unbelievable. The lads are unbelievable… it’s incredible. It’s a dream to travel to Berlin. We rewarded ourselves with goals at the right moment and when we needed to we defended with passion.”
Hoeness’s enthusiasm was palpable as he sprinted across the field post-match to celebrate with his team in front of ecstatic home fans. His leadership has turned Stuttgart from relegation candidates to cup finalists in just one season.
The five-time German champions and three-time cup winners are now favorites to lift the trophy against an Arminia Bielefeld side that stunned holders Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. The upcoming final promises excitement as Stuttgart aims to cap off their extraordinary season with silverware.
