Stuttgart defeats Leipzig to secure a spot in the German Cup final

STUTTGART April 4, 2025, Germany: Stuttgart secured a German Cup final spot with a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, setting up a clash with third-division Arminia Bielefeld.

The match was watched by Jurgen Klopp, the new head of global soccer for Leipzig’s owners, Red Bull, but Leipzig was outclassed by a strong Stuttgart performance. Goals from Angelo Stiller, Nick Woltemade, and Jamie Leweling sealed the win, bringing Stuttgart closer to their first German Cup title since 1997.

The victory marks continued progress for Stuttgart under coach Sebastian Hoeness, who took over in April 2023. Hoeness expressed his joy after the match, saying: “We’re going to Berlin... unbelievable. The lads are unbelievable... it’s incredible. It’s a dream to travel to Berlin.”

The coach credited the team's timely goals and passionate defending for the win before sprinting across the field to join his players in front of the ecstatic home crowd. Hoeness has quickly become one of Europe's most sought-after coaches, taking Stuttgart from relegation contenders to German Cup finalists and runners-up last season.

Stuttgart, a five-time German champion and three-time Cup winner, will be the favorites in Berlin against Bielefeld, who shocked Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Leipzig, who have won two of the past three German Cups, entered the match in turmoil after firing coach Marco Rose on Sunday, replacing him with interim boss Zsolt Low. Klopp, a close friend of Rose, was seen watching from the stands.

Stiller gave Stuttgart the lead early with a powerful volley, and although Leipzig had chances, they struggled to convert. Woltemade doubled Stuttgart’s lead, and after Leipzig responded with a goal from Sesko, Leweling sealed the win for Stuttgart with a tap-in after a header from Woltemade.

Stuttgart will play in their first German Cup final since 2013, when they lost to Bayern Munich, while Leipzig had previously won four out of four semifinals.