Cup Glory and European Qualification on the Line
Stuttgart and Arminia Bielefeld will clash at the iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday, with more than silverware at stake. A German Cup victory also guarantees a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Europa League, providing added motivation for both clubs.
Stuttgart, last year’s Bundesliga runner-up, failed to replicate that form this season, finishing in mid-table, five points adrift of fifth-placed Freiburg, who secured Europe through league performance. For manager Sebastian Hoeneß and his squad, the Cup offers a final opportunity to salvage pride and secure continental competition.
Meanwhile, Bielefeld arrives in Berlin riding a wave of momentum. Having clinched the third-division title and promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, they stunned German football by eliminating defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinal. A Cup triumph would mark an extraordinary double achievement for the club.
Promotion Dreams at Stake in Bundesliga Playoffs
Elsewhere, Heidenheim and Elversberg will begin their two-legged battle for a place in the 2025–26 Bundesliga. The first leg kicks off Thursday in Heidenheim, with the return leg set for Monday in Elversberg.
Heidenheim, which narrowly avoided automatic relegation after finishing third from bottom in the top flight, will aim to defend its status. Promoted to the Bundesliga in 2023 after years in the lower leagues, Heidenheim faces a hungry Elversberg side, which placed third in the 2. Bundesliga and dreams of following a similar trajectory.
Players to Watch
Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade has drawn attention after earning his first senior Germany call-up. The 23-year-old forward netted 12 league goals and has scored in each of his four German Cup appearances this season. A strong final performance could solidify his role in Germany’s Nations League squad.
For Bielefeld, midfielder Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee continues to impress. His recent goal clinched the third-division crown and underlined his importance to the side’s fairytale campaign.
Injury Updates
Stuttgart faces a nervous wait on the fitness of key midfielder Angelo Stiller, who picked up an ankle injury earlier this month. His potential absence would be a blow to Stuttgart's midfield balance. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a thigh injury, missing out on international duty as he targets recovery ahead of the Club World Cup.
Transfer Watch
As the domestic season concludes, the transfer market begins to stir. Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is reportedly weighing offers from Bayern Munich and Barcelona as his contract nears expiry. Meanwhile, Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan has attracted interest from both Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool are said to be monitoring Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké, while Florian Wirtz’s future remains a subject of speculation. Though Real Madrid — possibly under incoming coach Xabi Alonso — may be keen, competition from Bayern and Liverpool could complicate any move.
With trophies, promotion, and European places at stake, German football fans are in for a thrilling finale to the 2024–25 campaign.