DFB Pokal Final Preview: Arminia Bielefeld vs. VfB Stuttgart

The curtain rises on the pinnacle of German club football, outside of the Bundesliga title race, as the DFB Pokal final is set to electrify the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This highly anticipated showdown pits 3. Liga champions Arminia Bielefeld against Bundesliga stalwarts VfB Stuttgart. It’s a clash of narratives: the underdog’s improbable dream versus a traditional powerhouse seeking to reclaim silverware and European prestige.

Road to the Final

Both clubs have navigated a demanding DFB Pokal journey, each carving out a unique story on their path to Berlin.

Arminia Bielefeld’s Fairytale Ascent

Arminia Bielefeld’s journey to the DFB Pokal final is a testament to their unwavering spirit and tactical acumen, marking an extraordinary exploit for a club from the third tier of German football. Their cup run has been littered with giant-killings, overcoming higher-division opponents with grit and determination.

Crucially, their impressive cup form has been mirrored in their league campaign. Arminia Bielefeld finished the 2024/25 3. Liga season as champions with a remarkable 72 points from 38 matches, securing direct promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. This achievement, built on 21 wins, 9 draws, and only 8 losses, with a goal difference of +28 (64 goals scored, 36 conceded), demonstrates their consistent quality and strong momentum heading into the final. Their most defining recent matches in the cup saw them dispatching several Bundesliga sides: a 2-0 victory over Hannover in the first round, a 2-0 triumph against Union Berlin in the second, a 3-1 win over Freiburg in the third, and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final clash against Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, was perhaps their most stunning performance, as they came from behind to win 2-1, showcasing their ability to perform under immense pressure.

VfB Stuttgart’s Resolute Journey

VfB Stuttgart has experienced a solid, if not spectacular, season in the Bundesliga. They are currently positioned 9th in the 2024/25 Bundesliga table with 50 points after 34 games (as of the latest available data), showcasing a consistent mid-table presence. Their record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of +11 (64 goals scored, 53 conceded), reflects their competitive nature. Their DFB Pokal campaign has seen them overcome strong challenges, demonstrating their depth and ambition for silverware. Key victories on their road to the final included navigating past tough Bundesliga adversaries, though specific results for their 2024/25 cup run were not as detailed in the search results as Arminia Bielefeld’s. However, their presence in the final indicates a successful overcoming of top-flight opposition.

Historical Context

The DFB Pokal carries significant historical weight for both clubs, though their past experiences in the competition differ greatly.

Arminia Bielefeld’s DFB Pokal History

While Arminia Bielefeld is a club with a long and storied history in German football, their appearance in the 2024/25 DFB Pokal final is truly historic. This marks their first-ever appearance in the showpiece event. In previous seasons, their deepest runs included reaching the semi-finals in 2014/15 and 2005/06, but the final always remained elusive. This year’s achievement represents an unprecedented success and a moment of immense pride for the club and its dedicated fanbase, who have witnessed their team battle through various leagues over the years.

VfB Stuttgart’s DFB Pokal History

VfB Stuttgart has a much richer pedigree in the DFB Pokal. They have lifted the trophy on three occasions: in 1954, 1958, and most recently in 1997. They have also been runners-up four times, including in 2012/13. Their consistent presence in the latter stages of the competition underscores their status as a traditional cup team. For Stuttgart, this final is not just about winning a trophy; it’s about adding another piece of silverware to their already impressive collection and reinforcing their place among Germany’s elite. Their recent DFB Pokal history includes reaching the semi-finals in 2022/23 and the quarter-finals in 2023/24, showing a steady improvement in their cup performances leading up to this final.

Head-to-Head Encounters

The historical head-to-head record between Arminia Bielefeld and VfB Stuttgart shows a slight advantage for Stuttgart. In 22 matches since 2004, VfB Stuttgart has won 11 times, while Arminia Bielefeld has secured 5 victories, with 6 matches ending in a draw. The most recent DFB Pokal encounter between the two was in the 2022/23 season, where VfB Stuttgart emphatically beat Arminia Bielefeld 6-0 in the second round. Other recent notable results include Arminia Bielefeld’s 1-0 victory in the Bundesliga in November 2021 and a 3-0 home win for Arminia Bielefeld in January 2021. While past results can offer a glimpse into the dynamic between teams, a cup final is a unique beast, often defying historical trends due to the immense pressure and one-off nature of the game.

Key Players and Absences

The individual contributions of key players and the impact of any significant absences will undoubtedly play a role in the final’s outcome.

Arminia Bielefeld

Arminia Bielefeld’s success this season has been a collective effort, driven by a strong team ethic. However, certain players have been instrumental. Marius Wörl, a central midfielder, has been crucial, contributing key goals and assists throughout their cup run, including an equalizer against Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final. Louis Oppie, a defender, has also chipped in with vital goals and assists, demonstrating his attacking threat from the back. Upfront, players like Joel Grodowski and Julian Kania have provided the cutting edge. Their captain, Mael Corboz, anchors the midfield and provides essential leadership.

Regarding absences, Arminia Bielefeld will be without striker Roberts Uldriķis, who is out with a cruciate ligament tear and is expected to return late in 2025. Midfielder Nassim Boujellab has also been sidelined with an inner ligament injury.

VfB Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart boasts a squad brimming with talent, particularly in attack. Ermedin Demirovic has been their prolific goalscorer in the Bundesliga, and his clinical finishing will be vital. Midfielder Enzo Millot provides creativity and drive from the center of the park, while Chris Führich on the wing offers pace and directness. Defensively, Julian Chabot is a commanding presence at center-back.

However, Stuttgart does face some injury concerns. Dan-Axel Zagadou himself has been dealing with outer ligament problems since September 2024, making his full fitness for the final uncertain. Young winger Luca Raimund has been out with a torn muscle bundle since January 2025, and Anrie Chase (torn muscle fiber) has been out since March 2025. More recent concerns include Justin Diehl (muscular problems), El Bilal Touré (minor knock), Angelo Stiller (ankle injury), Jamie Leweling (muscular problems), and Leonidas Stergiou (Foot injury). The availability of these players, particularly in wide attacking and defensive areas, will be crucial for Stuttgart’s tactical setup.

Tactical Outlook

The tactical battle promises to be a fascinating contrast in styles, pitting Arminia Bielefeld’s disciplined underdog approach against VfB Stuttgart’s Bundesliga attacking prowess.

Under coach Michél Kniat, Arminia Bielefeld is expected to set up in a disciplined and compact formation, likely a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing defensive solidity. Their strategy will focus on frustrating Stuttgart by denying them space in central areas and forcing them wide. Expect a low block and a high work rate across the pitch, with quick transitions from defense to attack. Kniat’s team will look to exploit any turnovers, utilizing the pace of their wide players and the intelligent runs of their forwards. Set pieces will also be a major weapon, given their track record of scoring important goals from dead-ball situations. The midfield battle, anchored by Mael Corboz and Marius Wörl, will be crucial in disrupting Stuttgart’s rhythm and launching counter-attacks.

VfB Stuttgart, under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeneß, is known for their dynamic and possession-based attacking football. They typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield and create overloads in wide areas. Expect Stuttgart to dominate possession, circulate the ball swiftly, and seek to penetrate Arminia’s compact defense through intricate passing combinations and dangerous crosses delivered by their full-backs and wingers. Enzo Millot will be central to their creative efforts, linking midfield to attack, while Demirovic will be the focal point in the box, looking to capitalize on any chances. Hoeneß’s tactical acumen will be tested in breaking down Arminia’s resilient defense, and he will need to ensure his team remains defensively aware to counter any swift breaks from the 3. Liga champions. The challenge for Stuttgart will be to maintain patience and precision against a team determined to disrupt their rhythm.

Stakes and Implications

Beyond the glory of lifting the DFB Pokal, the stakes for both clubs are incredibly high due to the accompanying prize of UEFA Europa League qualification.

For Arminia Bielefeld, a victory would cap off a truly unforgettable season. Not only would they have secured promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, but winning the DFB Pokal would propel them directly into European competition from the third tier, an unprecedented achievement. This would bring immense financial benefits, including prize money, increased sponsorship opportunities, and a significant boost in their global profile. It would also make them a highly attractive destination for players looking to play European football, potentially accelerating their rebuild.

For VfB Stuttgart, winning the DFB Pokal would provide a concrete measure of success for their season and guarantee a coveted spot in the Europa League. This would be a crucial step in their ongoing development, allowing them to attract and retain talent and provide an exciting European adventure for their fans. The financial injection from Europa League participation would also be substantial, aiding in squad development and long-term stability. For a club with their history, adding another DFB Pokal to their trophy cabinet would reinforce their standing in German football.

Prediction

This DFB Pokal final is poised to be an enthralling encounter between two teams with contrasting strengths and aspirations. Arminia Bielefeld’s remarkable cup run, coupled with their confidence from gaining promotion, makes them a dangerous underdog who has proven their ability to upset higher-ranked teams. Their tactical discipline and collective fighting spirit under Mitch Kniat will make them incredibly tough to break down, and they will undoubtedly throw everything they have into this historic opportunity.

However, VfB Stuttgart’s Bundesliga quality, particularly their attacking prowess, gives them a significant advantage. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side will likely dominate possession and seek to wear down Arminia’s defense with their relentless attacking movements. While Arminia Bielefeld will ensure it’s a fiercely contested match, providing moments of high drama, Stuttgart’s superior individual talent and experience in high-stakes finals should ultimately prevail. Expect a hard-fought battle, where Arminia gives their absolute all, but Stuttgart’s class in front of goal and composure under pressure will see them lift the trophy and secure their place in the UEFA Europa League.