VfB Stuttgart battled past RB Leipzig 3-1 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final for the first time in 12 years and pile more misery on their crisis-hit opponents.

Stuttgart, who last won the title in 1997 and will play the final against third-tier club Arminia Bielefeld -- who shocked holders Bayer Leverkusen with a 2-1 comeback win on Tuesday -- pressed high and were more efficient with their chances throughout.

"Yes we will go to Berlin," said Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness. "We worked hard against a tough Leipzig team.

"We were rewarded for our efforts by scoring at the right times. We defended with passion and how we dealt with Leipzig's goal for the 2-1 was outstanding."

"It is already now a dream to be going to Berlin. Obviously we want more now but we will talk about that in the coming days.

Leipzig, with the Red Bull soccer leadership, including global head of soccer Juergen Klopp, watching from the stands, tried to come back, with new coach Zsolt Low making his debut after the sacking of Marco Rose on Sunday.

But he could not avoid a second straight loss after Saturday's league defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach.