VfB Stuttgart defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in the DFB-Pokal semi-final.
Goals were scored by Angelo Stiller, Nick Woltemade, and Jamie Leweling.
Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel delivered a standout performance, earning praise from coach Sebastian Hoeneß.
Defender Maximilian Mittelstädt showed visible emotion after the win, highlighting his journey from relegated Hertha BSC to the cup final.
VfB Stuttgart will face Arminia Bielefeld in the final on May 24th in Berlin.
The result was widely celebrated by football fans across Germany, partly due to preventing RB Leipzig from reaching another final.
Why this matters: Reaching the final is a major boost for VfB Stuttgart's season and morale. Mittelstädt's emotional journey resonates with fans, while Nübel's return to top form is crucial for the season's climax. Preventing RB Leipzig, a club often viewed critically by traditional fans, from reaching the final added another layer to the celebration.
VfB Stuttgart booked their ticket to Berlin with a well-deserved 3-1 win against RB Leipzig. Angelo Stiller opened the scoring early with a remarkable long-range shot. Despite Leipzig pressure, VfB extended their lead through Nick Woltemade in the second half. Although Leipzig pulled one back via Benjamin Sesko, Jamie Leweling secured the victory shortly after.
Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, on loan from Bayern Munich, was instrumental, making several key saves that kept Leipzig at bay. This performance was particularly notable as he had faced criticism for inconsistency earlier in the league season, but showed his 'Pokalgesicht' (cup face) when it mattered most.
The victory was also poignant for Maximilian Mittelstädt. Having moved from Hertha BSC, described by one source (Tagesspiegel) as a 'dysfunctional' club in a 'dysfunctional' city, to the thriving environment at VfB Stuttgart, reaching the final in his former home city of Berlin clearly overwhelmed him with emotion. The same source humorously commented on his supposed struggles adapting to Swabian culture and dialect, highlighting the contrast between Berlin and Stuttgart, though this was presented as satirical commentary.
The broader football community largely welcomed Stuttgart's victory, celebrating the fact that RB Leipzig, a club often polarizing due to its corporate backing, was denied a final appearance. Social media reactions reflected this sentiment, with many fans expressing delight.
Q: Who did VfB Stuttgart beat to reach the final?
They defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in the semi-final.
Q: Who will VfB Stuttgart play in the DFB-Pokal final?
They will face Arminia Bielefeld, who surprisingly beat Bayer Leverkusen.
Q: Why was Maximilian Mittelstädt emotional after the game?
Reports suggest tears of joy reflecting his remarkable turnaround, moving from relegated Hertha BSC to reaching the DFB-Pokal final with VfB Stuttgart, set to be played in his former home, Berlin.
VfB Stuttgart is enjoying a strong season, now highlighted by reaching the DFB-Pokal final.
Key players like Alexander Nübel and Maximilian Mittelstädt are performing well at a critical stage.
The final against third-division Arminia Bielefeld offers a tangible chance for VfB to win silverware.
The victory over RB Leipzig was significant not just for VfB fans, but for many neutral football supporters in Germany.
What are your predictions for the DFB-Pokal final between VfB Stuttgart and Arminia Bielefeld? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Source 1: Schwabenland macht Berliner todunglucklich Die Wahrheit hinter den Tränen von Maximilian Mittelstädt (Tagesspiegel) target="_blank"
Source 2: BILD.de (Article reference: VfB Stuttgart: Erst Flopp, dann Finale! Zeigt Nübel sein Pokalgesicht?)
Source 3: Stuttgarter Nachrichten / Stuttgarter Zeitung (Article reference: Netzreaktionen zum DFB-Pokal: VfB verhindert Leipzig im Finale: „Freut den größten Teil von Fußball-Deutschland!“)
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