Tiago Tomás’ Late Extra-Time Winner Sends VfB Stuttgart to DFB-Pokal Final

VfB Stuttgart secured their place in the DFB-Pokal final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over SC Freiburg on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The match, which appeared headed for a penalty shootout, was decided by a stunning backheel goal from substitute Tiago Tomás in the 119th minute.

Freiburg took an early lead in the 28th minute when Maximilian Eggestein converted from close range after a Vincenzo Grifo corner was headed back across goal by Matthias Ginter. Stuttgart responded in the second half, with Deniz Undav equalizing in the 70th minute by steering Bilal El Khannouss’ through-ball past Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Müller into the far corner.

As the match entered stoppage time, both teams pushed for a winner. Freiburg had opportunities to regain the lead, including a close-range shot from Ermedin Demirović that went just over the bar before halftime and a blocked attempt by Igor Matanović that denied Undav a potential go-ahead goal. Stuttgart thought they had equalized shortly after the break when Angelo Stiller found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Demirović.

With the clock winding down and extra time looming, Tomás, who had come off the bench, produced a moment of individual brilliance. In the 119th minute, he leapt high and glanced a clever backheel into the left-hand corner of the net, leaving Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Müller with no chance. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Stuttgart players and fans, securing a 2-1 victory and a second consecutive DFB-Pokal final appearance.

The victory sets up a highly anticipated final against Bayern Munich, whom Stuttgart faced in the season-opening DFL-Supercup. Stuttgart will look to defend their DFB-Pokal title against the Bavarians, who have been dominant in domestic competitions in recent years.

Reflecting on the goal, Undav praised Tomás’ effort, telling Sky Germany: “119th minute, pure drama — that’s the best kind of goal you can score as a striker. That was world class.” Tomás himself described the effort as a “whole body fight,” emphasizing the team’s collective effort in securing the victory.

For Freiburg, the loss ends their hopes of reaching a second consecutive DFB-Pokal final. Despite a strong performance and early lead, they were unable to hold off Stuttgart’s late surge, leaving them to reflect on what might have been as the Stuttgart celebrations began.

The DFB-Pokal final is scheduled for [Date not specified in verified sources], with Stuttgart aiming to retain the trophy they won the previous season. Fans around the world will be watching to notice if Stuttgart can pull off another upset against the formidable Bayern Munich side.

As the Stuttgart players celebrated their hard-fought victory, the focus quickly shifted to the final challenge ahead. With the DFB-Pokal title within reach, the team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for one of the biggest matches of the season.

Share your thoughts on the match and what you expect from the final in the comments below.