VfB Stuttgart takes a bold approach in the DFB Cup final against FC Bayern, but cannot defend the title. After the strong performance, there is sadness and pride at the same time.
Despite a strong performance over long periods, VfB Stuttgart had to admit defeat to FC Bayern 0-3 (0-0) in the final in Berlin.
Deniz Undav: “We can be proud”
Deniz Undav was the first Stuttgart player to comment after the final whistle. The national player had just returned from the Swabians’ fan curve when he spoke in the Sportschau interview.
“The moments with the fans were very nice, but also sad. Of course we all wanted to win, but we didn’t manage it,” said the 29-year-old. “Nevertheless, we can be proud of ourselves.”
VfB implements match plan against FC Bayern for a long time
That was also the feedback that Undav and his teammate got from the corner. “The fans also told us what a brutal season we had: reached the Champions League, again in the cup final. I also believe that we played an outstanding season,” said the attacker.
VfB’s plan against the record champions worked for a long time; Stuttgart were even the team with the better chances in the first half. “We wanted to make it nasty, buy time, have a lot of fouls. We did that well,” said Undav.
Ermedin Demirovic: “It hurts extremely”
His striker colleague Ermedin Demirovic assessed the Swabians’ performance in a very similar way. “I think we’re playing a great game. We’re making things extremely difficult for Bayern, we’re there in the duels, we feel like we’re keeping everyone in check. I think we’ve hardly lost a 1-1 situation,” said the Bosnian.
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß also praised his team after the final whistle. “The boys did exactly what was needed to bring Bayern to the edge. Unfortunately, it remained the edge. We were close,” said the 44-year-old.
Harry Kane pulls the plug on VfB
Close, but still inferior in the end. The outstanding man of the evening struck for the first time in the 55th minute. “You can’t leave Harry Kane alone. The man hits the way he wants. He makes things ice cold,” said Undav. What the attacker meant: The Englishman single-handedly shot Bayern to the title with a hat trick in the last 35 minutes.
After going behind, VfB tried to get back into the game, but had to pay tribute to the incredibly high pace of the first hour. “In the end, we don’t have to be blamed for anything. Nevertheless, a game like this hurts extremely,” said Demirovic.
VfB with another strong season
This means that the season for VfB Stuttgart is over. In addition to reaching the final of the DFB Cup, qualification for the Champions League and reaching the round of 16 in the Europa League are also important. The Swabians are well on their way to establishing themselves as a top German team.
“Even though we lost the game today, the season was extremely good. The way we played this game was also important once again,” said Hoeneß. “This will make it a little easier for me to go into the summer break feeling positive again.”
The playing time goes into extra time for up to nine Swabians professionals. Deniz Undav, Angelo Stiller, Jamie Leweling and Alexander Nübel are in the DFB squad for the 2026 World Cup. Luca Jaquez (Switzerland), Ermedin Demirovic (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco) and Jeremy Arévalo (Ecuador) have also been called up. Captain Atakan Karazor is in Turkey’s provisional squad.
