Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart earned a 2-1 win over Holstein Kiel thanks to goals from red-hot strikers Deniz Undav and El Bilal Touré in a match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.
VfB Stuttgart 2-1 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 1-0 Undav (assist: Touré) 19', 2-0 Touré (assist: Chabot) 61', 2-1 Gigovic (assist: Harres) 84'
Red cards: Chabot (66'), Arp (88')
The MHP Arena played host to a captivating Bundesliga clash as Stuttgart welcomed Kiel for their first-ever top-flight encounter. Stuttgart, buoyed by their midweek UEFA Champions League triumph over Juventus, were looking to maintain their impressive domestic form. Kiel, still in search of their maiden Bundesliga victory after seven attempts, arrived with hopes of causing an upset against their more fancied opponents.
Undav breaks the deadlock
Stuttgart started the match on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances. Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Undav opened the scoring. The goal came from a swift counter-attack, with Touré leading the charge before setting up the Germany international, who expertly chipped the ball over Timon Weiner. The hosts continued to control the game, with Fabian Rieder and Jamie Leweling both coming close to doubling the lead before half-time.
Kiel made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on Steven Skrzybski for Benedikt Pichler in search of an equaliser. However, the second half saw Stuttgart continue their dominance, and they were rewarded in the 61st minute with a moment of brilliance from Touré. The striker unleashed a spectacular long-range effort that found the top corner, leaving Weiner with no chance. The game took a dramatic turn just five minutes later when Jeff Chabot received his second yellow card in the 66th minute, reducing Stuttgart to 10 men and giving Kiel a lifeline.
Despite being a man down, Stuttgart initially maintained control. However, Kiel began to press forward, with Nicolai Remberg forcing a fine save from Alexander Nübel in the 64th minute. The visitors' persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Armin Gigović pulled one back, setting up a tense finale. Stuttgart nearly restored their two-goal lead in the 86th minute when Chris Führich's free-kick struck the upright. Kiel's hopes of an equaliser were dashed when Fiete Arp received a second yellow card in the 88th minute, evening up the numbers. Stuttgart held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory, maintaining their strong start to the season.
Player of the Match: Deniz Undav
Undav's performance stood out in this pulsating encounter. The striker not only opened the scoring with a well-taken goal but also played a crucial role in Stuttgart's attacking play throughout the match. His ability to link up with his teammates, particularly Touré, caused constant problems for the Kiel defence. Undav's goal was his fifth of the season, further cementing his importance to Stuttgart's campaign. His work rate and tactical awareness were also evident, helping the team maintain control even after going down to ten men.
Watch: Deniz Undav talks up El Bilal Touré
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 1.6019 - Kiel 0.7642
Fastest player: Josha Vagnoman (Stuttgart), 33.46 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by El Bilal Touré (Stuttgart), 4.66 percent
Most pressed player: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Jeff Chabot (Stuttgart), +3.23
Fantasy Heroes: Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart, 258 Points), Jeff Chabot (Stuttgart, 244 Points), El Bilal Touré (Stuttgart, 229 Points)