Tiago Tomás strikes late in extra time as VfB Stuttgart reach DFB Cup final with victory over Freiburg
Tiago Tomás came off the bench to score a late, extra-time winner as VfB Stuttgart beat Freiburg at the MHP Arena to reach a second consecutive DFB Cup final.
VfB Stuttgart 2-1 Freiburg (AET)
Goals: 0-1 Eggestein 28’, 1-1 Undav 70’, 2-1 Tomás 119’
The semi-final began with both sides showing early caution, although Stuttgart saw more of the ball in the opening exchanges. Freiburg went closest to taking an early lead, however, with Maximilian Eggestein forcing Alexander Nübel into a fine save after getting on the end of Vincenzo Grifo's precise pass.
The Freiburg midfielder made no mistake in the 28th minute, though, converting from close range after Matthias Ginter had headed Grifo's corner back across goal. Stuttgart responded strongly in the closing stages of the half, with Ermedin Demirović, Jamie Leweling and Deniz Undav all going close, but Julian Schuster's well-organised side held firm to take their advantage into the break.
Stuttgart emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and immediately threatened through Chris Führich, who sent his effort narrowly wide. Freiburg remained dangerous on the counter-attack, though, with Johan Manzambi and Igor Matanović both having attempts blocked.
The hosts thought they had equalised shortly after that when Angelo Stiller found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Demirović. VfB did not have to wait long for the equaliser, however, with Undav steering Bilal El Khannouss' perfectly weighted through-ball beyond Florian Müller and into the far corner with 20 minutes remaining.
The Stuttgart forward nearly doubled his tally not long afterwards when his cross-shot from the right flank deflected off Philipp Lienhart and struck the woodwork. Müller then produced two outstanding saves to deny Führich and Undav as full time approached, ensuring the tie would be settled in extra time.
The additional 30 minutes began in dramatic fashion as Lucas Höler, who had replaced Matanović late in normal time, had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Stuttgart continued to create the better chances, though, and almost completed the turnaround when Führich struck the post from Undav's through-ball.
With penalties looming, Hoeneß made two attacking changes in the 118th minute, introducing Badredine Bouanani and Josha Vagnoman for Führich and Undav respectively. Bouanani made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross from which Tomás - who had replaced Demirović before extra time - found the bottom corner to spark jubilant scenes among the Stuttgart fans.
Freiburg threw everyone forward in search of a dramatic last-gasp equalsier, but Stuttgart held firm to reach back-to-back DFB Cup finals for the first time in their history. Sebastian Hoeneß's side will face Bayern Munich in Berlin on 23 May after the Bundesliga champions' 2-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen in the other semi-final.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.9 - Freiburg 1.64
Fastest player: Chris Führich (Stuttgart), 34.89 km/h
Most pressed player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 26 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), 4.41
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