VfB Stuttgart stage thrilling comeback to defeat nine-man RB Leipzig
VfB Stuttgart came from behind to defeat RB Leipzig 2-1 in a thrilling encounter which saw goalscorer Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda sent off for the visitors.
VfB Stuttgart 2-1 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Šeško 10' (assist: Xavi), 1-1 Bruun Larsen 50', 2-1 Woltemade 60'
Red cards: Šeško 85', Openda 88'
In a pulsating Bundesliga encounter at the MHPArena, Stuttgart demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit as they came from behind to prevail. The match, which both teams entered off the back of strong starts to the new year, promised to be a closely contested affair, and it certainly delivered on that expectation.
Leipzig started the match with intent and took an early lead in the 10th minute as Šeško found the back of the net with a clinical finish from 13 meters out. The goal came from a well-worked move, with Xavi providing the assist. Despite Alexander Nübel getting a touch on the ball, the power of Šeško's shot was too much for the Stuttgart goalkeeper to keep out.
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Following the goal, Stuttgart began to assert themselves more in the match. The home side dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Leipzig defence. Chris Führich and Deniz Undav both had opportunities to level the score, but their efforts ultimately failed to find the back of the net and, despite their increased pressure, Stuttgart went into the half-time break trailing 1-0.
Stuttgart came out for the second half with renewed determination, and their efforts were rewarded just five minutes after the restart. Jacob Bruun Larsen found himself on the end of a brilliant cross from Undav, and the Danish forward made no mistake with his header to level the scores. The equaliser energized the home crowd and seemed to galvanize the Stuttgart players. Their momentum continued to build, and in the 60th minute, they took the lead. Nick Woltemade finished off a well-coordinated team move, with Undav once again involved in the build-up. The goal was a testament to Stuttgart's improved attacking play in the second period.
As Leipzig pushed for an equaliser, both teams made several substitutions to inject fresh energy into the match. However, the visitors' frustration boiled over in the closing stages, resulting in two red cards in quick succession. Šeško received his marching orders in the 85th minute after picking up a second yellow card, and just three minutes later, Openda followed suit. The dismissals effectively ended Leipzig's hopes of salvaging a point, and Stuttgart held on comfortably in the final minutes to secure a memorable victory.
Player of the Match: Deniz Undav
Undav was instrumental in Stuttgart's comeback victory. The forward's vision and creativity were on full display as he provided the assist for Bruun Larsen's equaliser with a pinpoint cross. Undav's involvement also contributed to the winning goal, as he played a key role in the build-up to Woltemade's strike. Throughout the match, Undav was a constant threat to the Leipzig defence, creating chances and linking up well with his teammates. His performance epitomized Stuttgart's fighting spirit and was crucial in turning the tide of the match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.79 - Leipzig 0.62
Fastest player: Loïs Openda (RBL), 33.98 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Benjamin Šeško (RBL), 27 percent
Most pressed player: Chris Führich (VFB), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kevin Kampl (RBL), +5.08
Fantasy Heroes: Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart, 263 Points), Jeff Chabot (VfB Stuttgart, 263 Points), Josha Vagnoman (VfB Stuttgart, 261 Points)
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