DFB Cup final: Stuttgart and Bielefeld create a symbiosis that is so rare

Maybe they have a catchy tune stuck in their heads because the Swabians had previously sung the classic in the stadium. Maybe it's a bit of self-irony. But maybe it's also deadly serious because it was really so beautiful.

By the time the score reached 4-0, complete with a chorus of celebrations in front of Enzo Millot's VfB block, the game seemed to be finally decided. But Arminia is a different club.

You can feel it in the stands. After every goal conceded, the fans in blue continue to celebrate, passionately cheering on their team, and encouraging them. At times, the atmosphere isn't even clear who's leading and who's significantly behind.

On the other hand, Stuttgart also set off fireworks – literally. Even during the choreography, the fans engaged in a Champions League-level showdown.

Both clubs received 24,000 tickets for their supporters. The Olympic Stadium is fairly divided down the middle into white and blue, with no visual or acoustic advantage for either club.

These are clubs with history, clubs with tradition. Clubs where sporting success hasn't necessarily been a tradition in recent years. Seasoned fans, especially those of Arminia, are no match for the rest of the country. They're all the happier about this unique match.

A symbiosis develops between the fan groups. Sometimes one sings, then another. Sometimes one jumps, then another. Sometimes one sway, then another.

And then things get even more exciting on the pitch. Bielefeld scores to make it 4-1 – becoming the first third-division team to do so in a cup final – and the Arminia fans in the stands celebrate like they've won the cup. A deserved consolation goal? Yes, but also more. Because it even goes to 4-2.

While nervousness spreads among the Stuttgart fans, the East Westphalians try to push their team to infinity. But the comeback comes too late.

Thanks to this epic finish, Bielefeld can also leave the pitch and the stadium with pride. But no one wants to leave after the final whistle.

Rarely has the stadium been so packed for the celebratory cup ceremony. The Bielefeld fans also stayed and celebrated their team, earning applause from the Stuttgart fans.

The Arminians wear the silver medal they receive around their necks with dignity. No one immediately takes it off, as is often the case at award ceremonies. For Bielefeld, it's also a win.

"I wear this medal with pride – and I'm very proud of this team. Those are two things that will last forever," Kniat said later. A feeling the fans would share.