The 1996-97 campaign delivered a glorious DFB-Pokal triumph for VfB Stuttgart, with Die Schwaben also securing a strong 4th place in the Bundesliga. The team's formidable attack was led by Fredi Bobic, who netted 19 league goals, and Giovane Élber, who scored both decisive goals in the 2-0 Final victory over third-tier Energie Cottbus. This season, defined by the legendary "Magic Triangle" of Bobic, Élber, and Balakov, remains an iconic chapter in the club's history.