Algerian international Badredine Bouanani delivered a moment of magic in extra time to send VfB Stuttgart into the DFB-Pokal final, coming off the bench to set up the winning goal against SC Freiburg in a dramatic semi-final encounter.
The 24-year-old winger, introduced in the 118th minute of a tightly contested match, made an immediate impact just 60 seconds later by providing the assist for Tiago Tomás’ decisive strike. The goal came after Stuttgart had fought back from a first-half deficit to level the score in the 70th minute, forcing extra time in a tense affair that remained goalless until Bouanani’s intervention.
According to match reports, Freiburg had taken the lead early in the first half, putting Stuttgart on the back foot. The home side responded after the break, with their equaliser arriving in the 70th minute to shift momentum. Despite both sides pushing for a winner in the closing stages of normal time, neither could find a breakthrough, sending the match into extra time.
With penalties appearing likely, Stuttgart made a late tactical substitution, bringing on Bouanani in the 118th minute. The Algerian international, who had previously come off the bench to make an impact in other matches this season, required only a minute to influence the game. His perfectly weighted pass found Tomás in space, and the Portuguese forward calmly finished to seal Stuttgart’s place in the final.
The result sets up a highly anticipated final against Bayern Munich, scheduled for May 23, 2026. It marks a contrasting outcome to the other semi-final, played a day earlier, where Bayern Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen, meaning another Algerian international missed out on a place in the showpiece match.
For Bouanani, the assist represents a significant moment in his first season with Stuttgart after joining from Ligue 1 side Lille. The Algerian winger has shown flashes of quality throughout the campaign, and this contribution in a high-stakes cup tie underscores his growing importance to the team’s depth.
Stuttgart’s journey to the final has been defined by resilience, having overcome deficits in both legs of their tie against Freiburg. Their ability to respond under pressure, combined with timely contributions from squad players like Bouanani, has been key to their success in the competition this season.
As the DFB-Pokal final approaches, Stuttgart will look to build on this momentum against a formidable Bayern Munich side. The match presents an opportunity for the club to add silverware to their season, with Bouanani’s late heroics serving as a reminder of the impact substitutes can have in knockout football.
The Algerian international’s contribution has drawn praise from teammates and analysts alike, highlighting his composure and technical ability in pressure situations. His performance adds to a growing list of impactful moments from North African players in European competitions this season.
Looking ahead, Stuttgart’s focus will now shift to preparing for the final, where they will aim to capitalize on the confidence gained from this hard-fought victory. For Bouanani, the assist marks a personal milestone and a potential springboard for further influence in the team’s push for honors.
Fans can follow Stuttgart’s preparations for the DFB-Pokal final through the club’s official channels, with updates expected in the coming days as the team readies itself for the showdown against Bayern Munich.
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