News (engl.)

After previously taking the title in 1954, 1958 and 1997, VfB Stuttgart are German cup winners for the fourth time. The 82nd edition of the DFB-Pokal final saw them defeat third-division champions Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. First-half goals from Nick Woltemade (15’), Enzo Millot (22’) and Deniz Undav (28’) put Stuttgart in pole position to clinch glory before Millot grabbed his second after the break (66’). Julian Kania netted late on for the third-tier side (82’) and an own goal from Josha Vagnoman rounded off the scoring (85’).

Both teams showed intent from the off. Bielefeld’s Noah Sarenren Bazee narrowly missed a sharp cross from Louis Oppie on the slide after just 30 seconds, while at the other end Woltemade was only stripped of the ball at the last moment after winning possession in the opposition box.

Arminia sought the opener once again the 12th minute but when all alone and just six yards out, Sarenren Bazee could only direct his effort onto the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, VfB demonstrated rather more efficiency in front of goal. Woltemade got the better of his marker before confidently slotting past Jonas Kersken to hand his team the lead.

VfB strike twice on the counter

A swift and precise counter-attack caught Bielefeld cold as they pushed rather too high. After a misunderstanding in the Armenia midfield, Undav surged through on goal without a defender in sight and unselfishly laid off for Millot, who slotted home with ease.

Stiller next turned possession over in the opponent’s half and sent Undav on his way, who this time took on the shot himself, firing into the far corner for Stuttgart’s third.

Stuttgart did not let up and neither Undav nor Woltemade could net the fourth goal of the evening following the latest lightning-fast break (32’). Woltemade also had a further shot blocked before half time (42’).

Millot seals his brace

Both teams continued to make attacking inroads in the second half. Woltemade failed to beat Kersken at his near post (47’), while Bielefeld looked to hit on the counter. Undav then sent an attempt just past the post from a standing start (51’).

Undav, Woltemade and Chris Führich combined to let the next big chance go begging shortly afterwards (53’). Arminia then received a great opportunity right in front of the Stuttgart net, but Joel Grodowski directed Isaiah Young’s cross over from six yards out (55’).

It was again a loss of possession from Bielefeld that ultimately led to further Stuttgart celebrations as Millot pounced on an underhit pass, grabbing his second of the final with a superb solo effort. Arminia never give in, but Alexander Nübel stood form and showcased impressive reflexes to deny both Stefano Russo’s attempt from half distance (74’) and Leon Schneider’s strike from an acute angle (75’).

Arminia get a couple back late on

The first goal for a third-division team in a DFB-Pokal final did arrive, however. Substitute Kania swept home on the volley just 150 seconds after his introduction. Bielefeld even grabbed a second when Vagnoman misjudged a header back to his keeper following a cross and the ball found the corner of his own net.

Things had suddenly become interesting once again and Arminia threw everything at Stuttgart, who had been forced deep into their own half. Nevertheless, they still had a great chance to make it 5-2 through Ermedin Demirovic via yet another counter-attack, but his fierce strike was kept out by the knee of Kersken (89’). At the other end, Nübel made a reflex save to deny Lukas Kunze from point-blank range (90+4’). Shortly after that, the full-time whistle sounded to confirm Stuttgart’s fourth triumph in the competition.