Stuttgart booked their place in the DFB-Pokal final with a dramatic victory over Freiburg, but the jubilation came laced with a healthy dose of relief for those in the winners' camp. The semi-final clash provided heart-stopping moments, none more so than a late, and ultimately overturned, Freiburg equalizer.
The tense affair seemed destined for extra time when Freiburg thought they had levelled the score deep in the second half. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was chalked off, prompting wild celebrations on the Stuttgart bench and fury from the visitors. The decision proved pivotal, sending the Swabians to Berlin.
In the aftermath, Stuttgart’s sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth faced the media with a broad smile but a guarded tongue. He radiated satisfaction with his team’s achievement, hailing the collective effort that secured the club’s spot in the showpiece final. Yet, when the topic turned to the controversial officiating, Wohlgemuth skillfully sidestepped any in-depth discussion.
Wohlgemuth’s reluctance to engage with the debate was a calculated move. He repeatedly stressed that the most important takeaway was the result itself, not the circumstances that surrounded it. His demeanor suggested a man who had endured every nail-biting second and emerged simply grateful for the outcome.
“We are in the final, that’s what matters,” was the unmistakable subtext of his brief remarks, though he deliberately avoided being drawn on whether the disallowed goal was the correct call. The priority, he insisted, was to savor the triumph and shift focus forward.
For Stuttgart, this marks a significant milestone in a season of resurgence. The club’s return to the DFB-Pokal final underlines a growing belief within the squad and the boardroom. Wohlgemuth’s composed reaction in the mixed zone reflected a leader who understands that lasting memories are forged from trophies, not from refereeing disputes.
The drama of the night will linger, especially for Freiburg, who felt aggrieved by the decisive call. But for Stuttgart, the overriding emotion was one of relief—a sentiment Wohlgemuth carried openly, even as he refused to give oxygen to the controversy. The sporting director’s heart may have raced during those frantic final moments, but by the time he spoke, only joy remained.
Based on reporting from kicker DFB-Pokal News.