VfB Stuttgart set a new club record on Thursday night by reaching back-to-back DFB Cup finals for the first time in their history. After beating SC Freiburg 2-1 in extra time in a dramatic semi-final, the Cannstatt club now have the opportunity to defend their crown in Germany’s main domestic cup competition when they take on Bayern Munich at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Saturday 23 May.
How VfB triumphed in the semi-final
VfB and Freiburg pushed each other all the way at the MHP Arena on Thursday. The physical nature of the contest was underlined by the number of overall duels – 310 – of which each side won exactly 50 percent. Freiburg managed to get their noses in front in the first half, but Maximilian Eggestein’s opener was cancelled out by Deniz Undav in the 70th minute.
“We didn’t start the game particularly well but gradually improved from the 30th or 35th minute onwards,” VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß said, adding: “We were able to step up the pressure. Our substitutes gave us an important boost and added to our momentum.” One of those super subs, Tiago Tomás, netted the all-important winner in the final minute of extra time. “Because we ultimately created the better chances, I feel we’re heading to the final in Berlin as deserved winners,” the 43-year-old concluded.
There were jubilant scenes after full time, with Hoeneß’s players proudly donning specially designed t-shirts to celebrate their second consecutive final appearance. “It was an energy-sapping game, and a dramatic one. We really deserve this moment,” said Angelo Stiller, whose sentiments were echoed by Jeff Chabot. “It was incredible how we fought for each other on the pitch,” said the defender. “It’s an amazing feeling to have reached the final again.”
Hoeneß, too, was full of praise for his players’ efforts. “It was a very intense match,” he admitted. “It was incredibly tense and emotionally overwhelming in the end.” Board member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth, meanwhile, summarised the drama: “That match was enough to give you heart palpitations, but it feels good to have reached the DFB Cup final for the second time in a row. On the whole, it was an incredible display of energy from our players.”
