Algerian international Badredine Bouanani sends Stuttgart to German Cup final

VfB Stuttgart reached the German Cup final after substitute Badredine Bouanani produced a decisive assist in the closing moments of extra time to secure victory over SC Freiburg.

The Algerian international, introduced in the 118th minute of a tightly contested semi-final, made an immediate impact by setting up the winning goal just a minute later, sealing Stuttgart’s place in the final after a dramatic encounter.

The result ensures that Stuttgart will compete for the DFB-Pokal title, offering a contrasting outcome to the other semi-final, played a day earlier between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, which saw another Algerian international miss out on a place in the final.

For much of the match, Stuttgart were forced to respond to Freiburg’s early advantage.

The visitors took the lead in the first half, putting pressure on the home side and dictating the tempo of the game during the opening stages.

Stuttgart, however, found a response in the second half.

Their equaliser arrived in the 70th minute, shifting the momentum and breathing new life into a contest that had previously struggled to produce clear opportunities.

From that point, both sides pushed for a decisive goal, but neither could find a breakthrough before the end of normal time.

Wechsel bei uns:

⬅️ Deniz #Undav
➡️ Josha #Vagnoman

⬅️ Chris #Führich
➡️ Badredine #Bouanani#VfB | #VfB1893 | #Bundesliga | #VfBSCF 1:1 (118.)

— VfB Stuttgart 1893 (@VfB) April 23, 2026

With the score level, the match moved into extra time, where tension increased and chances remained limited.

As the game approached its conclusion, Stuttgart made a late tactical change, introducing Bouanani in the 118th minute.

The decision proved decisive.

Within moments of entering the pitch, the young midfielder influenced the outcome.

In the 119th minute, he delivered a precise pass to Tiago Tomás, who converted calmly to give Stuttgart the lead at a critical juncture.

The move encapsulated Bouanani’s technical ability and composure under pressure.

Despite having only just entered the game, he was able to execute a decisive action that ultimately determined the result.

Freiburg, with little time remaining, were unable to respond, and the goal secured Stuttgart’s progression to the final.

The match, which had been closely contested throughout, was settled by a brief but impactful contribution from the substitute.

Bouanani’s role in the victory highlights the importance of squad depth in knockout competitions.

Introduced at a decisive moment, he was able to deliver an immediate contribution, underlining his capacity to influence high-pressure matches.

The semi-final also illustrated the unpredictable nature of cup football, where outcomes can hinge on single moments of quality.

For Stuttgart, that moment came in the closing stages of extra time, when Bouanani’s assist created the opportunity that ultimately proved decisive.

Attention now turns to the final, where Stuttgart are set to face Bayern Munich on 23 May.

The fixture will bring together two sides with differing paths to the final but a shared objective of securing the trophy.

For Stuttgart, the prospect of the final represents an opportunity to claim a major domestic honour.

The team from the automotive capital will look to build on the momentum of their semi-final victory as they prepare for the decisive match.

Bouanani, meanwhile, will aim to play a role in what could be a significant moment in his career.

His contribution in the semi-final has already underlined his ability to deliver in crucial situations, and the final presents another opportunity to do so.

The match against Freiburg will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, with Stuttgart’s persistence eventually rewarded.

While the game remained finely balanced for much of its duration, the late intervention of Bouanani proved to be the defining moment.

La passe décisive de Badredine Bouanani pour le but du 2-1 à la 120e. 🅰️🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/KTGA4aALIi

— 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗨. 🔍🇩🇿 (@CompsMercu) April 23, 2026

As Stuttgart prepare for the final, the focus will be on maintaining that level of determination and capitalising on key opportunities.

The semi-final has demonstrated their ability to remain competitive under pressure, a quality that will be essential in the upcoming match.

With the DFB-Pokal final now in sight, Stuttgart’s attention turns to the challenge ahead, as they seek to convert their progression into silverware.