Stuttgart withstands late Bielefeld fightback for German Cup

• BERLIN — VfB Stuttgart lifted the German Cup for the fourth time after defeating third-tier champions Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final here on Saturday.
•  
  
• Despite Bielefeld's remarkable run to the final, which included knocking out four Bundesliga sides, Stuttgart showed its top-flight quality when it mattered most.
•  
  
• The underdogs almost took the lead after just 12 minutes when Noah Sarenren Bazee hit the crossbar from close range, reports Xinhua.

Also read: Grassroots Football Day observed in Nagaland

•  
  
• Stuttgart responded ruthlessly, as Nick Woltemade opened the scoring three minutes later with a composed finish following a clever pass from Angelo Stiller.
•  
  
• Soon after, a defensive mix-up allowed Deniz Undav to burst through and unselfishly set up Enzo Millot to make it 2-0.
•  
  
• When Undav converted Stiller's second assist of the night to make it 3-0 before halftime, the result seemed beyond doubt.
•  
  
• Millot grabbed his second midway through the second half, pouncing on a misplaced pass from Louis Oppie to curl in a fourth.
•  
  
• But Bielefeld refused to go down without a fight. Substitute Julian Kania reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute with a neat finish, and Josha Vagnoman's own goal three minutes later gave Bielefeld hope of an unlikely comeback.
•  
  
• However, goalkeeper Alexander Nubel's late save denied Joel Felix a third goal, and Stuttgart held firm to secure victory.
•  
  
• "It's hard to put into words. I'm absolutely overjoyed with this win," said Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness.
•  
  
• "In a game like this, anything can happen. In the end, we had to dig deep once more. Huge credit to my players and to Bielefeld, a team that simply never gives up. It's been a long time since Stuttgart won a trophy, which makes this moment more special."
•  
  
• Stuttgart will compete in next season's UEFA Europa League. For Bielefeld, the final capped a memorable season which included promotion and a historic Cup run.
•  
  
• "The opponent punished our mistakes mercilessly within ten minutes. Still, I'm incredibly proud of my team. Even though the disappointment prevails right now, we have had a fantastic Cup run and a great season," said Arminia Bielefeld coach Michel Kniat.