With a dream goal: VfB Stuttgart advances to the cup final

Thanks in part to a dream goal, VfB Stuttgart spoiled RB Leipzig's fresh start following the departure of Marco Rose and the huge chance of a first DFB Cup triumph in 28 years. The Swabians won the thrilling semi-final 3:1 (1:0) against their Bundesliga rivals with head coach debutant and interim coach Zsolt Löw.

On May 24, Sebastian Hoeneß' Stuttgart will go into the final against sensational Arminia Bielefeld as clear favorites. The third-division side had completely unexpectedly defeated defending champions Bayer Leverkusen 2:1 on Tuesday.

Angelo Stiller with a spectacular volley (5th minute), Nick Woltemade (57th) and Jamie Leweling (73rd) led the hosts to Berlin with their goals in front of 60,000 spectators. They also annoyed the Red Bull soccer boss Jürgen Klopp in the stands, who was cheering them on. VfB also had the outstanding national goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to thank for their first final appearance in twelve years. Striker Benjamin Sesko could only reduce the deficit for Leipzig (62'). In the end, Stuttgart's Woltemade and Leipzig's Sesko hit the crossbar.

The Swabians last won the title in 1997, their third after 1958 and 1954. Success in the final would also fulfill their hopes of making it back to the European Cup. VfB are currently eleventh in the Bundesliga.

RB, cup winners in 2022 and 2023, lacked efficiency. The Saxons lost a semi-final for the first time in their fifth appearance in the preliminary round. Löw's main focus is now on leading the sixth-placed team into the Champions League in the final sprint of the season.

Stiller scores a dream "goal of the month"

He was overcome by "healthy excitement, healthy tension", long-time assistant coach Zsolt Löw revealed on Sky before kick-off. Some resentment must have quickly set in, as the challenge of the cup semi-final became even greater after just a few minutes.

VfB got off to a dream start when the hosts' first corner led to a goal of the month. Midfielder Stiller scored with a superb volley from around 18 meters on the half-right. Leipzig's cup goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt was taken by surprise and failed to react.

The collective jubilation among the Swabians contrasted with the serious expressions of RB soccer boss Jürgen Klopp, RB's technical director, ex-VfB striker Mario Gomez and RB supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff in the stands. Alongside Klopp, Zsolt Löw will return to his role as chief strategist in the RB cosmos after the end of the season.

VfB goalkeeper Nübel challenged several times

Lipzig recovered more and more from the early goal shock as the game progressed. Lois Openda forced VfB goalkeeper Nübel to make three saves. And Xavi Simons also had a promising finish. Klopp was carried away by the game, repeatedly rising from his seat.

"You can tell, of course, that both teams have a lot at stake, a place in the final," said former national coach Joachim Löw, describing the game on Sky during the half-time break.

The game continued with intensity after the break. After a one-two with Ermedin Demirovic, U21 international striker Woltemade underlined the top form he has been in for weeks. But just five minutes later, Sesko made it exciting again. Löw spurred his team on from the sidelines. Leweling then poked the ball over the line to decide the game.