VfB Stuttgart Clinches Dramatic 2-1 Extra-Time Win Over SC Freiburg to Reach DFB-Pokal Final

VfB Stuttgart secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against SC Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on April 24, 2026, advancing to face Bayern Munich in the final scheduled for May 23. The match was marked by emotional intensity and a dramatic turn of events, culminating in Tiago Tomas scoring the decisive goal in the 119th minute.

The game initially saw Stuttgart trailing after Maximilian Eggestein gave Freiburg the lead in the 28th minute. Stuttgart steadily fought back, and Deniz Undav equalized in the 70th minute, pushing the match into extra time. Despite dominating possession and generating multiple scoring chances, Stuttgart struggled to convert due to Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Müller's strong performance.

A pivotal moment came in extra time when Lucas Höler appeared to score a second goal for Freiburg, but referee Tobias Welz disallowed it due to a foul on Stuttgart's Jeff Chabot. Undav criticized this controversial decision, believing it could have changed the match's outcome.

Ultimately, the breakthrough arrived late in extra time when Badredine Bouanani assisted Tomas, who scored with a skillful backheel finish. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the Stuttgart players and coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who expressed relief at securing the win without resorting to penalty kicks. Tomas dedicated his goal to the memory of his late father.

This victory not only guarantees Stuttgart a spot in the DFB-Pokal final but also secures their qualification for the Europa League next season. Undav acknowledged the challenge that awaits them in the final against Bayern Munich, who have been dominant in recent encounters.

The win was described by coach Hoeneß as emotionally overwhelming, emphasizing the resilience and determination shown by his team. Stuttgart fans and players alike celebrated the hard-fought success, marking a significant achievement for the club in the 2025-26 season.