VfB Stuttgart are into the DFB Pokal final after a 2-1 extra time win over SC Freiburg at MHP Arena. The hosts came from behind through Deniz Undav and then grabbed it late when Tiago Tomás scored in the 119th minute. It finished 1-1 in normal time before the decisive strike settled it.

How the semifinal unfolded

Freiburg struck first. Maximilian Eggestein finished from close range on 28 minutes after a delivery from Matthias Ginter. Stuttgart controlled much of the ball but went in 0-1 at halftime.

The equalizer arrived on 70 minutes. Substitute Bilal El Khannouss carried the break and slipped in Undav, who fired past Florian Müller. After chances at both ends and seven saves from Müller, the tie moved to extra time.

With penalties looming, Stuttgart found their winner. Fresh from the bench at 118 minutes, Badredine Bouanani squared for Tomás, who steered in from the right side of the box at 119 minutes. Cue relief all around the MHP Arena.

Stiller runs the midfield

Angelo Stiller quietly bossed this cup tie. He completed 89 of 102 passes, had a team-high 123 touches, won four tackles and made eight recoveries. His Sofascore Rating of 8.6 was the highest on the pitch.

Jeff Chabot put in a rugged shift at the back: 12 clearances, five tackles and four blocks, plus one last-man tackle, earned him an 8.1. Up front, Undav produced seven shots and five key passes to go with his equalizer, rating 8.2.

Freiburg’s standouts deserve a nod too. Eggestein scored and worked tirelessly for an 8.1, while Müller kept the visitors alive with seven saves and an 8.4.

Numbers that tell the story

Stuttgart had 66% possession and out-shot Freiburg 29-18, with 9 shots on target to 5. The hosts also earned more corners, 9-4, and completed 573 passes compared to Freiburg’s 253.

Final-third pressure showed: Stuttgart registered 53 touches in the box to Freiburg’s 39 and created six big chances. Finishing was wasteful at times though, with six big chances missed. Freiburg defended deep, clearing 54 times and blocking nine shots.