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Apr 17, 2013 at 7.30pm UK

Stuttgart
2-1
Freiburg

Stuttgart reach DFB-Pokal final

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter | 17 April 2013

Stuttgart reach the final of the DFB-Pokal with a narrow 2-1 victory over Freiburg.

A tense 2-1 victory over Freiburg has allowed Stuttgart to book their place in the DFB-Pokal final.

Stuttgart enjoyed the best possible start when Ibrahima Traore picked out Arthur Boka, who finished confidently to give his side an early lead.

Freiburg's Jan Rosenthal is congratulated by teammates after scoring the equaliser against Stuttgart on April 17, 2013 © AP Photos

However, the home side's joy was temporary as Freiburg equalised just five minutes later thanks to a strike from Jan Rosenthal.

Both sides continued to threaten in an open contest but it was Stuttgart who regained the lead in the 29th minute when Martin Harnik headed in Cristian Molinaro's cross.

Stuttgart's Martin Harnik heads in his team's second against Freiburg on April 17, 2013 © AP Photos

Freiburg's threat seemed to fade in the second half, with Stuttgart dominating possession as well as looking the more likely to add another goal.

Harnik should have doubled his personal tally for the evening in the 73rd minute but he headed over from close range.

Freiburg increased the pressure as the final whistle approached with Rosenthal firing wide, but the hosts held on to set up a clash with Bayern Munich in May's final.