It’s a clash of two teams in contrasting positions: while FC Bayern Munich pursue their first double since 2020 at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, VfB Stuttgart enter Saturday’s DFB Cup final (20:00, ARD and Sky) as defending champions with nothing to lose. Around 74,000 spectators will watch the encounter – exactly 73,300 more than at Bayern’s last cup final during the coronavirus period 2,149 days ago.
“Bayern impressed with the title in commanding fashion and VfB with fourth place and the qualification for the Champions League next season,” says Interwetten expert Peter Stöger, adding: “Winning a title is notoriously difficult, repeating a title even harder, especially when the reigning champions are waiting as the final opponent this time.”
There is one setback for the record cup winners: Manuel Neuer is not in the squad due to muscular problems in his calf, with Jonas Urbig again guarding the goal. Neuer was among the last six active Bayern professionals who were part of the squad when the title was last won.
For star striker Harry Kane, it is clear what a defeat would mean: “If we don’t win, it will leave a bitter taste.” Bayern’s superiority this season is statistically clear: the record champions won all three encounters against Stuttgart, with a goal ratio of 11:3. Nevertheless, VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß dreams out loud: “A cup victory in the final against Bayern – nothing tops that.” Unlike Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, Hoeneß has a full squad to choose from.
Deniz Undav, Stuttgart’s international striker, knows the role of the underdog: “There is a clear favourite, and that is FC Bayern.” Yet he showed a combative spirit: “We have to hope that they make mistakes and that we exploit them.” Hoeneß himself acknowledged the balance of power – but still placed his faith in cup logic: “If we play each other ten times, the probability is high that we lose a lot of those games – but we only have to play one.” Bayern president Herbert Hainer said he was “very confident” given his team’s cohesion. And Kane summed up what it is ultimately about: the feeling of “having truly taken the next step.”
Interwetten expert Peter Stöger outlines the path to another Stuttgart title: “When they win the ball, Stuttgart must switch play as quickly as possible and overcome Bayern’s defensive line. Due to Bayern’s dominance in most games, the defence pushes incredibly high, leaving a lot of space behind them that can be exploited.”
