DFB-Pokal: VfB Stuttgart reaches final after dramatic win over SC Freiburg
VfB Stuttgart has booked its place in the DFB-Pokal final after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over SC Freiburg in the semifinals. The win sets up a final showdown with FC Bayern Munich on May 23 at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
The match, played at Stuttgart’s MHPArena on April 23, 2026, began with Freiburg taking an early lead through Maximilian Eggestein in the 28th minute. Stuttgart responded with Deniz Undav equalizing in the 70th minute before Tiago Tomas scored the winner in the 119th minute of extra time.
Stuttgart, the defending champions, became the first club in its history to reach consecutive DFB-Pokal finals. Last year, they defeated Arminia Bielefeld to win their first title since 1997.
The atmosphere was electric from the start, with pyrotechnic smoke delaying kickoff by several minutes. Both teams received early yellow cards, reflecting the intense Baden-Württemberg derby atmosphere.
Freiburg created the first clear chance when Yuito Suzuki appeared to place them 2-0 up, but Stuttgart launched a swift counterattack that led to Undav’s goal just 19 seconds later. The visitors continued to threaten, with Lukas Höler having a disallowed goal early in extra time.
Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel made several key saves, while Freiburg’s Florian Müller, playing as a substitute cup goalkeeper, also produced impressive stops to keep his side in contention until Tomas’ decisive strike.
VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß praised his team’s resilience, stating they showed the courage and attacking intent he demanded before the match. The victory came despite Freiburg’s disciplined defensive organization, which had frustrated bigger clubs all season.
For Freiburg, the loss means missing a second consecutive DFB-Pokal final appearance, though the club remains in contention for its first major trophy via the Europa League, where they face Sporting Braga in the semifinals on April 30 and May 7.
Stuttgart now enters the final as underdogs against a Bayern Munich side that defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the other semifinal. The Bavarians have won three of their four meetings with Stuttgart this season.
The DFB-Pokal final will take place on May 23, 2026, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Kickoff time is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (6:00 PM UTC).
What are your thoughts on Stuttgart’s chances against Bayern in the final? Share your predictions in the comments below.
