VfB Stuttgart the masters of their own fate at business end of the season
Sebastian Hoeneß’s VfB Stuttgart have both their dreams of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and retaining the DFB Cup in their own hands after a crucial victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 33.
Whilst Stuttgart have a season-defining two weeks ahead of them, three points against fellow top-four hopefuls Leverkusen on the penultimate matchday of the Bundesliga season has left Hoeneß's side in prime position to successfully cross the first item off their to-do list for the remainder of the campaign.
The 3-1 victory over Die Werkself, courtesy of goals from Ermedin Demirović, Maximilian Mittelstädt and Deniz Undav, saw the Swabians haul themselves up to fourth place on 61 points - level with Hoffenheim, but with a superior goal difference of +22 to the Sinsheimers' +17 - ahead of their season's denouement away to Eintracht Frankfurt on 16 May.
Their season will not conclude there, however, as the DFB Cup holders must immediately look ahead to the final against Bayern Munich the following weekend, as they hope to defend their title.
Speaking after the victory over Leverkusen, head coach Hoeneß was full of praise for the character of his side's performance and comeback. "We played bravely, pressed high early on, and had the right mentality. We managed to create chances again and again. On top of that [...] it was a top defensive performance," he said.
However, the German tactician was quick to disavow the notion that the job was already done before sharing his thoughts on the significance of the final day in Frankfurt, adding: "Now, in a week’s time on Matchday 34, we have a final. We’re looking forward to it."
Nevertheless, defeating Leverkusen in the manner they did will give Stuttgart every reason to believe they can see it over the line. The Swabians will especially draw confidence from the fact that their 69 Bundesliga goals scored this season is second only to champions Bayern (117).
Undav, who himself has contributed 19 of those goals - his best ever return in a Bundesliga campaign - rounded off the scoring against Leverkusen with his first league goal since Matchday 27 in Augsburg.
Back amongst the goals at a crucial juncture in the season for his side, Stuttgart's stand-in captain in the absence of the suspended Atakan Karazor gave a rallying cry to his teammates in his post-match assessment.
"Respect to the team for how every single player threw himself into it. It was a very important match, and we showed just how much we wanted to win it. Now it’s about giving absolutely everything again for 90 minutes in Frankfurt,” the Germany international said.
It was a sentiment shared by fellow goalscorer Mittelstädt, who concurred: "The way we came back was magnificent. We deserved to win and secured the three points. The goal we conceded didn’t unsettle us; we attacked with passion and were also very alert and present in many one-on-one situations. It feels fantastic to have earned this home win.
"Now we have to focus on the next task and prepare well for the match in Frankfurt - after that, we’ll know which European competition we’ll be playing in next season."
It will no doubt please Stuttgart fans to hear that - although the atmosphere inside the MHP Arena at full-time was one of jubiliation - both players and coaching staff are staying laser-focused knowing there is work yet to be done if they're to reap the rewards of their hard work throughout the season with two crucial games left to play.
