The German Cup Final pits third-division Arminia Bielefeld, shock victors over Bayer Leverkusen and first-time finalists, against Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, who overcame RB Leipzig.The Berlin Olympic Stadium hosts a potentially historic German Cup final: newly-promoted third-division side Arminia Bielefeld versus VfB Stuttgart. Bielefeld's improbable run, the first for a 3. Liga team since 1963, saw them defeat Bundesliga teams like Freiburg, Werder Bremen, and Bayer Leverkusen. A win would not only award Arminia their first Pokal but also secure a direct Europa League group stage berth – an unprecedented achievement for a team at their level. Three prior third-tier teams reached the final (Hertha BSC II, Energie Cottbus, and Union Berlin), but none won. An Arminia victory would be a landmark moment in German football and bring substantial financial gains.
Bielefeld, once in freefall with consecutive relegations, have flipped the script in spectacular fashion. Under the guidance of 39-year-old boss Michel Kniat, they stormed to the 3. Liga title this season and have punched well above their weight to reach their first-ever domestic cup final.
Along the way, they've slayed Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen, Freiburg, Union Berlin, and stunned defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in a shock 2-1 semi-final win back in April.
Stuttgart's recent history has been a wild ride of its own. After securing promotion in 2020, they only narrowly escaped the drop via a relegation playoff in 2023. Fast forward to 2024, and they finished Bundesliga runners-up—only to tumble into the mid-table mix this season following some big-name departures. Arminia Bielefeld possible starting lineup: Kersken; Schneider, Russo, Grosser; Hagman, Schreck, Corboz, Oppie; Bazee, Worl; Grodowski
Stuttgart possible starting lineup: Nubel; Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks; Vagnoman, Karazor, Millot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Undav; Woltemade
Arminia Bielefeld hopes for a fairytale ending in the DFB Pokal final, fueled by their confidence after defeating Bayer Leverkusen and other Bundesliga teams during their improbable run. However, VfB Stuttgart, in strong form, has much to win and more to lose. While Bielefeld dreams of a miracle, Stuttgart enters as the favorite to defeat the third-tier side and secure both the DFB Pokal and Europa League qualification.
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