bundesliga

Nick Woltemade inspires stunning VfB Stuttgart comeback against Union Berlin

06.12.2024

Nick Woltemade scored twice as VfB Stuttgart staged a remarkable comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and beat Union Berlin 3-2 in the Matchday 13 opener.

VfB Stuttgart 3-2 Union Berlin
Goals: 0-1 Doekhi 37' (assist: Schäfer), 0-2 Skov 48', 1-2 Woltemade 59' (assist: Demirović), 2-2 Woltemade 59' (assist: Karazor), 3-2 Karazor 69'

Both teams were looking to improve their positions in the table, with the hosts aiming to climb as high as fifth and Union hoping to break into the top eight. The first half saw Stuttgart dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. The Berliners, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Danilho Doekhi rose highest to head home from András Schäfer's cross. Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel was unable to keep the header out, giving Union a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Danilho Doekhi's header wrong-footed Alexander Nübel for Union Berlin's opener. - IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Wolfgang Frank

Woltemade turns the tide

The second half began with a shock for the home fans as Robert Skov doubled Union's lead in the 48th minute with a curling effort that deceived everyone inside the VfB box. However, Stuttgart's manager Sebastian Hoeneß's half-time substitution proved to be a masterstroke. Woltemade, introduced at the break, quickly made his presence felt. The young striker pulled one back for Stuttgart in the 51st minute, latching onto a pass from Ermedin Demirović and firing past Frederik Rønnow. Woltemade wasn't done yet, and in the 59th minute, he levelled the scores with a clever finish, capitalising on a well-timed pass from Atakan Karazor.

Nick Woltemade celebrates after scoring one of his two goals for Stuttgart - IMAGO/Grant Hubbs

Stuttgart complete the comeback

With the momentum firmly in their favour, Stuttgart continued to press for a winner. Their efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute when Karazor capitalised on a mistake by Union goalkeeper Rønnow. The Danish keeper's misplaced pass fell straight to Karazor, who calmly slotted home to complete Stuttgart's remarkable turnaround.

Union tried to find an equaliser in the closing stages, with Jordan hitting the crossbar in the 71st minute. However, Stuttgart's defence held firm, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Nick Woltemade celebrates with a team-mate after his match-winning performance - IMAGO/Ralf Poller/Avanti

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 1.75 - Union Berlin 1.25
Fastest player: Robert Skov (Union Berlin), 33.8 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Robert Skov (Union Berlin), 2.59 percent
Most pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union Berlin), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart), +2.39

Fantasy Heroes: Atakan Karazor (Stuttgart, 345 Points), Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart, 334 Points), Danilho Doekhi (Union Berlin, 255 Points)