Stuttgart defeated Köln 3-1 in a Bundesliga match on Saturday, securing a crucial victory in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. Ermedin Demirović scored twice for Stuttgart, in the 15th and 84th minutes, whereas Ragnar Ache briefly equalized for Köln in the 79th minute before Deniz Undav sealed the win for Stuttgart in added time.
The match began with an early opportunity for Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, who attempted a lob over Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe but failed to convert. However, Stuttgart’s pressure soon paid off when Chris Führich chipped a ball behind the Köln defense, allowing Jamie Leweling to head it across goal for Demirović to finish from seven meters.
Stuttgart continued to dominate possession, with 57% of the ball and recorded 10 shots on goal. Köln struggled to create clear chances, managing only 13 shots. The statistics showed Stuttgart completing 3378 passes with an 85% accuracy rate, compared to Köln’s 2125 passes at 77% accuracy. Stuttgart also covered a total distance of 114.48 km during the match, slightly more than Köln’s 115.12 km.
Köln’s equalizer came after a turnover in midfield, with Luca Waldschmidt setting up Ache for a goal. However, Stuttgart responded quickly, with Demirović scoring his second goal of the match to regain the lead. Undav then added a third goal in stoppage time to confirm the victory.
The win moves Stuttgart into a strong position in the Bundesliga table, currently placing them fourth, though RB Leipzig has a game in hand. Köln remains four points above the relegation zone. Stuttgart’s next match is a Europa League play-off first leg against Celtic Glasgow on Thursday.
Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß had to adjust his lineup due to Angelo Stiller’s absence with a cold, with Chema Andrés taking his place in midfield. The team demonstrated resilience after a recent defeat to St. Pauli, aiming to “directly get back on track,” according to Hoeneß.
The match saw a total of 103 duels contested by each team, with Stuttgart winning 57% of them and Köln winning 43%. In aerial duels, Köln had a slight edge, winning 51% compared to Stuttgart’s 49%. Both teams committed 10 fouls each.
