VfB Stuttgart reach DFB-Pokal final with extra-time win over SC Freiburg

VfB Stuttgart secured their place in the DFB-Pokal final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over SC Freiburg at the MHP Arena on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 18:45 UTC, saw Stuttgart overcome a first-half deficit to book their second consecutive appearance in the competition’s showpiece.

SC Freiburg took the lead in the 28th minute when Maximilian Eggestein found the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put the visitors ahead. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from Freiburg, who looked to have steadied themselves following an energetic opening period from the home side.

Stuttgart responded with determination in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Deniz Undav equalized. The striker, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, finished clinically after a swift counter-attacking move to level the scores at 1-1.

As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal in regular time. The contest remained finely balanced, with chances falling to both sides as the clock ticked down toward extra time.

In the first period of extra time, Stuttgart began to assert greater control, dominating possession and creating several half-chances. Freiburg, meanwhile, looked increasingly reliant on counter-attacks to threaten Stuttgart’s goal.

The breakthrough came deep into the second half of extra time, in the 119th minute, when Tiago Tomás produced a moment of individual brilliance to win the game. The forward, who had come off the bench, received the ball with his back to goal near the edge of the box before delicately flicking it with his heel past the advancing Freiburg goalkeeper and into the net.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Stuttgart players and staff, with Tomás mobbed by his teammates as the realization sunk in that they had reached the final. The scenes of joy contrasted sharply with the disappointment of the Freiburg players, who had come so close to forcing a penalty shootout.

Stuttgart’s victory was built on a resilient team performance, with goalkeeper Alexander Nübel making several crucial saves throughout the match to keep his side in contention. The defense, marshaled by captain Atakan Karazor, held firm against Freiburg’s attacking threats despite conceding the early goal.

Midfielders Angelo Stiller and Chris Führich worked tirelessly to control the tempo of the game, while the attacking trio of Undav, Tomás, and Jamal Musiala provided the creativity and cutting edge that ultimately made the difference.

The win means Stuttgart will face Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final, marking the fourth time the two clubs have met this season across all competitions. The final is scheduled to capture place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on May 24, 2026.

For Stuttgart, the victory represents a significant achievement in their season, keeping alive their hopes of silverware after a challenging campaign in the Bundesliga. Reaching the final also provides a major boost for head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, whose tactical adjustments during the game proved instrumental in turning the tide.

As the players celebrated on the pitch, the focus quickly shifted to the upcoming final against Bayern Munich. Stuttgart will know they face a formidable opponent in their quest for the cup, but the resilience and character shown in overcoming Freiburg suggests they will not be intimidated by the challenge ahead.

The DFB-Pokal final promises to be a fitting conclusion to the competition, with Stuttgart aiming to add another chapter to their cup history. For now, but, the celebrations in Stuttgart will continue long into the night as the team and their fans savor this hard-earned victory.

The next confirmed checkpoint for VfB Stuttgart is the DFB-Pokal final against Bayern Munich on May 24, 2026, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

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