Stuttgart Advances to DFB-Pokal Final with 2-1 Win Over Freiburg

Stuttgart advanced to a second consecutive DFB-Pokal final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Freiburg in their semifinal clash at the MHP Arena on Thursday. Substitute Tiago Tomas delivered the decisive moment in the 119th minute, backheeling a cross from fellow replacement Badredine Bouanani into the far corner to secure the win and set up a showdown with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on May 23 in Berlin.

Freiburg struck first in the 28th minute from a corner kick. Vincenzo Grifo's delivery was headed back across goal by Matthias Ginter, allowing Maximilian Eggestein to flick the ball past Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nubel from close range. The visitors started brightly, with Eggestein earlier forcing a sharp save from Nubel in the 17th minute, but Stuttgart gradually asserted control as the match grew physical, featuring yellow cards for players including Jordy Makengo, Nikolas Nartey, Johan Manzambi, and Jamie Leweling.

The hosts pressed hard before halftime, with Ermedin Demirovic lifting a shot over the bar in the 40th minute and Deniz Undav having a goalbound effort blocked in stoppage time. After the break, Stuttgart ramped up the pressure. Chris Fuhrich...