VfB Stuttgart ended a 28-year wait for silverware by overpowering third-tier Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in Saturday’s German Cup final, with Enzo Millot netting a clinical brace. The win sealed the Swabian’s fourth German Cup triumph and handed them a place in next season’s Europa League.
A blistering first-half performance saw the Swabian storm into a 3-0 lead, with goals from Nick Woltemade, Millot, and Deniz Undav. Millot added his second midway through the second half to effectively seal the win, despite two late Bielefeld strikes.
The result offers welcome relief for Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness after a frustrating Bundesliga season that saw his side finish ninth—just two points shy of a European spot.
Bielefeld, already crowned third division champions, had stunned Bundesliga opposition throughout their fairytale run, including a shock win over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen. But the dream ended in Berlin, as Stuttgart proved too clinical under the lights.
Bielefeld nearly took an early lead when Noah Sarenren Bazee struck the crossbar from close range. Stuttgart capitalised minutes later, with Woltemade curling in a low shot to open the scoring. The 23-year-old’s fine form was rewarded with his first Germany call-up just days earlier.
Millot finished a swift counter-attack to double the lead before Undav made it three with a composed strike into the bottom corner. Millot grabbed his second after the break with a smart solo effort from the edge of the box.
The Swabian had a fifth ruled out for offside, before Julian Kania gave Bielefeld a glimmer of hope in the 82nd minute. An own goal from Josha Vagnoman moments later made for a nervy finish, but Stuttgart held firm, with Alexander Nuebel pulling off a crucial stoppage-time save.
The last time Stuttgart lifted the German Cup was in 1997, also against a third-tier side—Energie Cottbus. History repeated itself, but with a modern edge and a flash of brilliance from Millot.
