Ermedin Demirović double helps Stuttgart overcome Cologne resistance
Ermedin Demirović scored twice as VfB Stuttgart returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Cologne at the MHP Arena, strengthening their push for a Champions League place.
VfB Stuttgart 3-1 CologneGoals: 1-0 Demirović 15’ (assist: Leweling), 1-1 Ache 79’ (assist: Waldschmidt), 2-1 Demirović 84’ (assist: Hendriks), 3-1 Undav 90’+2’ (assist: Stiller)
Stuttgart were looking to bounce back after suffering their first Bundesliga defeat in eight matches last weekend, a 2-1 loss at St. Pauli that saw them drop out of the Champions League places. The hosts came into the match with an impressive home record, having collected 23 of a possible 30 points at the MHP Arena this season. For Deniz Undav, it marked a special occasion as he made his 100th appearance for Stuttgart.
Cologne, meanwhile, had experienced mixed fortunes in their recent matches, with their last four games ending with just one-goal margins.
Demirović fires Stuttgart in front
The hosts nearly took the lead after just two minutes when Undav found himself clean through on goal, but his attempted chip was comfortably saved by Marvin Schwäbe.
Both sides had penalty appeals waved away in the opening exchanges before Jakub Kamiński fired narrowly wide from an Ragnar Ache flick on.
At the other end, Demirović made no mistake as he opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Chris Führich delivered a delightful chipped pass into the box, Jamie Leweling intelligently nodded it down, and Demirović swept home from close range.
The hosts continued to control proceedings with Demirović almost doubling his tally when he narrowly missed the target after another excellent move involving Führich and Maximilian Mittelstädt.
Cologne finally registered their first shot on target through Jan Thielmann shortly before the break, but Alexander Nübel was equal to the effort.
Visitors fight back but Stuttgart strike late
Cologne started the second half with renewed purpose and gradually grew into the contest. Lukas Kwasniok's side showed attacking intent with both Marius Bülter and Ache having good chances, before the coach made attacking changes, introducing Luca Waldschmidt and Saïd El Mala in the 68th minute.
The substitutions paid off when Cologne equalised in the 79th minute. Jeff Chabot played a loose pass that was intercepted by Waldschmidt, who quickly played the ball into the path of Ache, who showed magnificent composure to round his marker and delicately chip the ball over Nübel.
However, Stuttgart's response was emphatic. Just five minutes later, substitute Ramon Hendriks delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Demirović struck a clinical volley into the bottom corner to restore the lead. As the visitors pushed for another equaliser, Stuttgart sealed the win in stoppage time when Angelo Stiller teed up Undav, who finished coolly against Schwäbe's momentum.
Man of the Match: Ermedin Demirović
Demirović produced a match-winning performance to help Stuttgart secure all three points. The Bosnian striker demonstrated his predatory instincts with two clinical finishes that showcased different aspects of his skill set – a composed first-time shot for the opener and a technically perfect volley for the crucial second goal.
The goals aside, Demirović was a constant threat to the Cologne defence with his movement and link-up play. His 21 sprints were the most by any Stuttgart player, reflecting his tireless work ethic. Demirović's ability to deliver in decisive moments underlined why he was rightfully named Man of the Match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.5 - Cologne 1.56
Fastest player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 33.19 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-1 by Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), 28 per cent
Most pressed player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), 1.1
Fantasy Heroes: Ermedin Demirović (VfB Stuttgart, 373 Points), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart, 306 Points), Ragnar Ache (Cologne, 263 Points)
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