VfB Stuttgart claim commanding victory over Wolfsburg
VfB Stuttgart were in impressive form as they secured a dominant 3-0 away win against VfL Wolfsburg, their fourth consecutive victory in the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg 0-3 VfB Stuttgart
Goals: 0-1 Tomás 35' (assist: Stiller), 0-2 Mittelstädt 55' (assist: Stiller), 0-3 Stiller 80' (assist: El Khannouss)
The contrasting fortunes of both sides were clear heading into this encounter at the Volkswagen Arena. While Sebastian Hoeneß's Stuttgart arrived having climbed from 12th to fourth in the table across the past three matchdays, Wolfsburg had gone five league games without victory, with their only win of the campaign coming on the opening day against Heidenheim.
The match also marked a return for Tiago Tomás, who had spent the previous two seasons at Wolfsburg, scoring seven goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances. For the home side, Christian Eriksen was handed his first start in a Wolfsburg shirt after three previous substitute appearances.
Stuttgart began the more assertive side, dominating possession and territory from the outset. The visitors controlled 70 percent of the ball in the early stages, though clear chances were initially scarce.
Jeff Chabot tested Kamil Grabara with a shot from distance in the fourth minute, while Tomás dragged an effort wide shortly after. Wolfsburg's only meaningful response came when Eriksen tried his luck with a left-footed strike that was comfortably saved by Alexander Nübel.
As the half progressed, Stuttgart's pressure intensified. Midway through the half Chema Andrés saw his header brilliantly saved by Grabara following a corner. However, the breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when Tomás struck. Angelo Stiller delivered a precise cross from a corner, and the Portuguese forward headed home from six yards to give Stuttgart a deserved lead at the break.
Any hopes of a Wolfsburg comeback were quickly extinguished after the restart. Stuttgart continued to dominate, with Bilal El Khannouss heading just wide, and the visitors doubled their advantage five minutes later with a well-worked goal. A move down the right saw Tomás pull the ball back into the box, where Stiller's initial shot was blocked. The ball fell kindly for Maximilian Mittelstädt, who fired home from close range to make it 2-0.
Paul Simonis responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Andreas Skov Olsen, Saël Kumbedi and Lovro Majer in an attempt to change the momentum, but Wolfsburg continued to struggle.
Ultimately Stuttgart struck again to seal the victory in the 80th minute, as El Khannouss slid a perfectly weighted pass to Stiller, who finished coolly into the far corner. While Stuttgart continue to thrive, Wolfsburg's winless home run extended to 12 matches dating back to January.
Player of the Match: Maximilian Mittelstädt
Stuttgart's left-back was a constant threat throughout the encounter, combining defensive solidity with attacking intent. His clinical finish for his side's second goal effectively sealed the points for the visitors, arriving at precisely the right moment to convert after Stiller's initial effort was blocked.
The 28-year-old also tested Grabara again shortly after, forcing another save from the Wolfsburg keeper. His all-round display was recognised by the fans, who selected him as Man of the Match with 36 percent of the vote – fitting recognition for a performance that epitomised Stuttgart's confident display.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Wolfsburg 0.81 - Stuttgart 2.39
Fastest player: Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), 34.91 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Tiago Tomás (Stuttgart), 41 percent
Most pressed player: Lorenz Assignon (Stuttgart), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Chema Andrés (Stuttgart), 2.14
Fantasy Heroes: Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart, 374 Points), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart, 360 Points), Lorenz Assignon (Stuttgart, 332 Points)
Related news
Which defenders should you pick in Fantasy?
Bolster your team at the back and aim for big points next season!
Top five crossers in 2024/25
Augsburg's Dimitrios Giannoulis is at the top of the list, but which Germany international is he tied with?
Hard work and a solid defence behind Stuttgart resurgence
VfB Stuttgart's renewed Bundesliga and DFB Cup ambitions have been helped by training-ground focus, says Maximilian Mittelstädt.