VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim share spoils in closely contested top-six battle
Top-six rivals VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim cancelled each other out in an absorbing south-west derby contest at the MHP Arena.
Stuttgart, who sat sixth in the table, welcomed fifth-placed Hoffenheim to the MHP Arena with just a point separating the sides. Both teams had won eight of their 14 matches heading into this contest, but it was Christian Ilzer's visitors who arrived with the better recent form, having claimed victory in six of their previous eight league outings. Stuttgart had ended a difficult spell with an impressive 4-0 win at Werder Bremen last time out, and Sebastian Hoeneß – facing the club he previously managed for two seasons – was looking for consecutive victories to strengthen VfB's European push before the winter break.
The opening 45 minutes perfectly illustrated the contrasting styles of these two sides. Hoffenheim started brightly, pressing intensely and looking to break forward quickly, with Fisnik Asllani heavily involved. Stuttgart, meanwhile, attempted to establish their possession game, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities early on. The hosts gradually found their rhythm, and Jamie Leweling provided their first meaningful attempt in the 23rd minute, firing narrowly wide from outside the box. The best chance of the half fell to Tiago Tomás, who was denied brilliantly by Oliver Baumann from close range after Nikolas Nartey flicked on Leweling's cross.
Disallowed Undav goal
Stuttgart were forced into a defensive change at half-time, with Ameen Al-Dakhil replacing the injured Finn Jeltsch. The hosts showed more attacking intent after the break, gradually applying pressure on the Hoffenheim defence. Maximilian Mittelstädt tested Baumann with a powerful strike in the 69th minute before Atakan Karazor headed narrowly wide from the ensuing cross. Stuttgart continued to create the better chances, with Deniz Undav missing a golden opportunity in the 73rd minute, directing his free header from Leweling's precise cross off target. The home side thought they had snatched victory in stoppage time when Undav headed past Baumann, but the celebrations were cut short as the linesman's flag was raised immediately for offside.
Man of the Match: Jamie Leweling
Leweling was at the heart of his team's best attacking moments throughout the match. The Germany international tested the Hoffenheim defence with his direct running and provided several dangerous crosses, including the one that led to Undav's missed header in the second half. His determination was evident as he registered the game's first shot in the 23rd minute with a well-struck effort that flew narrowly wide. Despite being the most pressed player on the pitch (24 times under pressure), the 22-year-old maintained his composure and continually posed a threat, deservedly earning himself the Man of the Match accolade.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 1.13 - Hoffenheim 0.19
Fastest player: Josha Vagnoman (VFB), 34.54 km/h
Most pressed player: Jamie Leweling (VFB), 24 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Josha Vagnoman (VFB), 2.88
Fantasy Heroes: Bernardo (TSG Hoffenheim, 291 Points), Nikolas Nartey (VfB Stuttgart, 235 Points), Jeff Chabot (VfB Stuttgart, 232 Points)
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