Jamie Leweling inspired Stuttgart claim commanding win over Wolfsburg
Stuttgart strengthened their Champions League ambitions with a convincing 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Wolfsburg, with Jamie Leweling scoring twice in a dominant performance.
Stuttgart 4-0 WolfsburgGoals: 1-0 Undav 21’ (assist: Demirović), 2-0 Leweling 30’ (assist: Führich), 3-0 Leweling 42’, 4-0 Nartey 90+4’ (assist: Tomás)
The contrast in fortunes between these two sides couldn't have been starker ahead of this Matchday 24 clash. Stuttgart, flying high in fourth place, welcomed a struggling Wolfsburg side sitting perilously in 17th position, having collected just two points from their last seven matches.
The hosts were formidable at the MHP Arena, having amassed 26 points from a possible 33 on home soil this season, while the visitors had conceded 49 goals – a club record after 23 matches.
For Sebastian Hoeneß, this represented his 100th Bundesliga match in charge of Stuttgart, becoming only the sixth coach to reach this milestone with the Swabians.
Stuttgart seize control
From the opening whistle, Stuttgart took command with Chris Führich causing havoc down the left flank. After Ermedin Demirović and Jamie Leweling had early efforts saved by Kamil Grabara, the breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Führich did brilliantly to escape his marker and deliver a dangerous cross that fell to Deniz Undav inside the six-yard box, and the striker made no mistake, firing into the roof of the net.
Stuttgart doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark with a devastating counter-attack. Angelo Stiller, Demirović and Undav combined brilliantly before Führich crossed for Leweling to tap home at the far post. The hosts were rampant and Leweling struck again three minutes before half-time, firing home via a deflection after Wolfsburg failed to clear a long throw-in.
No way back for Wolves
Wolfsburg coach Daniel Bauer, who had been booked in the first half, made three changes at the interval, bringing on Kento Shiogai, Dženan Pejčinović and Jonas Adjetey in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the match.
The visitors did show more fight after the break, with Shiogai forcing Alexander Nübel into a save with a powerful effort from distance. However, Stuttgart remained in control, with Demirović and Bilal El Khannouss both testing Grabara.
As the match entered the final stages, Stuttgart maintained their intensity, and Nikolas Nartey, who had replaced Undav in the 77th minute, completed the rout in stoppage time. Tiago Tomás broke forward at pace and slipped the ball to Nartey, whose shot took a deflection off Moritz Jenz before finding the net.
Man of the Match: Jamie Leweling
The Stuttgart winger was simply unstoppable, scoring twice to help his side to a convincing victory. His first goal showcased his predatory instincts, arriving at the far post to convert Führich's cross, while his second demonstrated his opportunism and shooting power.
Beyond his goals, Leweling was a constant threat down the right flank, combining well with his teammates and registering the highest Fantasy Manager points total (351).
His maximum speed of 34.44 km/h confirmed his explosive ability, with only teammate Ramon Hendriks recording a higher top speed in the match. With six of his seven league goals coming since the winter break, Leweling is hitting peak form at the perfect time as Stuttgart chase Champions League qualification.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.92 - Wolfsburg 0.73
Fastest player: Ramon Hendriks (Stuttgart), 34.75 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 9 per cent
Most pressed player: Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Chris Führich (Stuttgart), +4.07
Fantasy Heroes: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart, 351 Points), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart, 241 Points), Kamil Grabara (Wolfsburg, 241 Points)
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