Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart rocketed up the Bundesliga table with a 3-1 victory in Heidenheim, with Nick Woltemade starring in a man-of-the-match performance. Paul Wanner's sensational strike was not enough for the hosts, who are now winless in nine matches.
Heidenheim 1-3 VfB Stuttgart
Goals: 0-1 Mittelstädt 20' (assist: Woltemade), 1-1 Wanner 41', 1-2 Millot 45'+2 (assist: Vagnoman), 1-3 Woltemade pen. 85'
The clash between Heidenheim and Stuttgart promised to be an intriguing encounter, with the visitors looking to continue their good run in the league. Despite missing several key players due to injuries, including Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling, Stuttgart's coach Sebastian Hoeneß expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome the challenge posed by Heidenheim. On the other hand, Heidenheim's Frank Schmidt emphasised the importance of belief and determination, urging his team and fans to maintain their fighting spirit in the face of recent struggles.
Stuttgart draw first blood
The match began with Stuttgart asserting their dominance, controlling possession and creating early chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Maximilian Mittelstädt broke the deadlock. Woltemade played a crucial role, holding up the ball on the left before delivering a perfect pass to Mittelstädt, who raced into the area and slotted a precise angled finish past Kevin Müller. The goal was a testament to Stuttgart's attacking prowess and set the tone for their performance.
The intensity of the match was evident as both teams received yellow cards, with Ermedin Demirović cautioned in the 10th minute for Stuttgart, followed by Benedikt Gimber and Woltemade in the 26th minute. In the 33rd minute, Chris Führich went agonisingly close to doubling Stuttgart's lead with a superbly struck free-kick that rattled the crossbar, leaving Heidenheim rattled but relieved.
Despite Stuttgart's control, Heidenheim showed resilience and fought back. In the 41st minute, Wanner produced a moment of magic to level the score. After Jan Schöppner dispossessed Enzo Millot, the Bayern Munich loanee unleashed a stunning long-range effort from 25 meters out. Alexander Nübel - himself also on loan from Bayern - managed to get a touch but couldn't stop the ball from hitting back of the net. Wanner's goal, coming against the run of play, breathed new life into the contest and demonstrated Heidenheim's fighting spirit.
The joy was short-lived for Heidenheim as Stuttgart struck back on the stroke of half-time. In the second minute of added time, Josha Vagnoman delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Enzo Millot rose highest in the box, meeting the ball with a powerful header that flew past Müller, restoring Stuttgart's lead. This crucial goal just before the break dealt a psychological blow to Heidenheim and set the stage for an intriguing second half.
The second half saw Stuttgart maintain their control, though Heidenheim showed improved resistance. The hosts created several chances, with Mathias Honsak gpoing close in the 79th minute, forcing a crucial save from Nübel. However, Stuttgart's superiority was ultimately reflected in the scoreline when they were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute. Woltemade stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, securing a 3-1 victory for the visitors and capping off an impressive personal performance.
Woltemade delivered a standout performance that was instrumental in Stuttgart's victory. The young forward was involved in two goals, providing an assist for Mittelstädt's opener and scoring the final goal from the penalty spot. Woltemade's ability to hold up play and create chances for his teammates was evident throughout the match. His contribution extended beyond the scoresheet, as he was under pressure 33 times, the highest for Stuttgart, showcasing his resilience and importance to the team's play. This performance in his 50th Bundesliga appearance highlighted Woltemade's growing importance to the team.
Watch: Woltemade: "It was really important for us"
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 1.37 - Stuttgart 3.1
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim), 35.47 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Paul Wanner (Heidenheim), 3.54 percent
Most pressed player: Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart), 33 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Anthony Rouault (Stuttgart), +5.72
Fantasy Heroes: Enzo Millot (Stuttgart, 361 Points), Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart, 295 Points), Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart, 271 Points)