With a dream goal: VfB Stuttgart advances to the cup final

Stiller scores a dream "goal of the month"

He was overcome by "healthy excitement, healthy tension", long-time assistant coach Zsolt Löw revealed on Sky before kick-off. Some resentment must have quickly set in, as the challenge of the cup semi-final became even greater after just a few minutes.

VfB got off to a dream start when the hosts' first corner led to a goal of the month. Midfielder Stiller scored with a superb volley from around 18 meters on the half-right. Leipzig's cup goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt was taken by surprise and failed to react.

The collective jubilation among the Swabians contrasted with the serious expressions of RB soccer boss Jürgen Klopp, RB's technical director, ex-VfB striker Mario Gomez and RB supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff in the stands. Alongside Klopp, Zsolt Löw will return to his role as chief strategist in the RB cosmos after the end of the season.

VfB goalkeeper Nübel challenged several times

Lipzig recovered more and more from the early goal shock as the game progressed. Lois Openda forced VfB goalkeeper Nübel to make three saves. And Xavi Simons also had a promising finish. Klopp was carried away by the game, repeatedly rising from his seat.

"You can tell, of course, that both teams have a lot at stake, a place in the final," said former national coach Joachim Löw, describing the game on Sky during the half-time break.

The game continued with intensity after the break. After a one-two with Ermedin Demirovic, U21 international striker Woltemade underlined the top form he has been in for weeks. But just five minutes later, Sesko made it exciting again. Löw spurred his team on from the sidelines. Leweling then poked the ball over the line to decide the game.

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