VfB Stuttgart Win Thrilling DFB-Pokal Final, Lift 1st German Cup In 28 Years

Stuttgart withstood a late fightback from underdogs Arminia Bielefeld to claim the German Cup in Berlin on Saturday, holding on for a 4-2 victory despite conceding twice in the final 10 minutes. Goals from Nick Woltemade, Enzo Millot and Deniz Undav had Stuttgart three up inside 28 minutes and cruising against Bielefeld, just the fourth third division side to make the final in the competition's 82-year history. Millot added a second with 66 minutes and Stuttgart looked to have the job done, but a Julian Kania strike and a Josha Vagnoman own goal with the clock ticking down made Stuttgart sweat.

They however held on to claim their fourth German Cup and their first since 1997, when the then Joachim Loew-coached side again triumphed against third-flight opponents Energie Cottbus.

"I'm completely exhausted. The emotions are running high. I can't even put it into words," Stuttgart defender Maximilian Mittelstaedt, who was born and raised in Berlin, told TV network ZDF. 

"I think this is the most wonderful feeling you can have. I'm overwhelmed."

Undav echoed the sentiments, saying "the feeling is undescribable. We threw everything into it".

The win means Stuttgart, who finished ninth in the regular season, will join Freiburg in next season's Europa League. 

Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller shone in the middle of the park, setting up goals for his Germany teammates Woltemade and Undav, showing the passing prowess that has him earmarked as Toni Kroos' replacement.

Bielefeld coach Michel Kniat said: "When I look in the faces of the lads, I see some tears. Of course we're disappointed, but we can be proud, very proud, of our season."

- Golden chance -

The trophy is also just rewards for Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness, who took over