Burke doubles down as Werder stun Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart 1-2 Werder Bremen
Goals: 1-0 Stergiou 19’ (assist: Stiller), 1-1 Burke 32’ (assist: Weiser), 1-2 Burke 90’ (assist: Bittencourt)
Red card: Woltemade 65’

In what was a significant meeting at the MHPArena, the hosts were looking to halt a concerning run of four consecutive home defeats while the visitors aimed to capitalise on their impressive away form this season. With both teams harbouring ambitions of a late push for European places, the match promised to be a closely contested affair.

The match began with both sides showing attacking intent. The lively Burke forced a save from Alexander Nübel in the 7th minute. However, it was the hosts who drew first blood. Leonidas Stergiou broke the deadlock for the hosts when the Swiss defender latched onto a penetrating ball from Angelo Stiller. The former then cleverly evaded the Bremen goalkeeper Michael Zetterer - who had raced off his line - before slotting home. The home fans hoped the goal might signal an end to their recent struggles in their own back yard. 

Bremen's resilience shone through as they fought back. In the 32nd minute, Burke demonstrated his predatory instincts. The Scottish forward latched onto a precise through ball from Mitchell Weiser, calmly rounding the keeper and slotting home to bring the scores level.

The hosts came close to regaining the lead in the 57th minute when Nick Woltemade narrowly missed with a header. However, Woltemade's involvement took a turn for the worse in the 65th minute when he received his second yellow card for a foul on Weiser, reducing Stuttgart to ten men.

With their numerical advantage, Bremen began to dominate possession and create more chances. Yet just as it seemed Stuttgart might hold out for a draw, Burke delivered the knockout blow.

In the 90th minute, the Scottish forward found himself in space inside the box after a clever pass from substitute Leonardo Bittencourt. Burke fired a powerful shot past Nübel, sending the away fans into raptures. It was a cruel blow for the ten men of Stuttgart, who had defended valiantly, but a just reward for Bremen's persistence and attacking intent.

Burke's match-winning performance was nothing short of spectacular. The Scottish forward was a constant threat throughout the game, using his pace and power to trouble the Stuttgart defence. His two goals were taken with aplomb, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. Burke's first goal demonstrated his composure while his late winner highlighted his predatory instincts. With a total of three shots on target and reaching a top speed of 35.15 km/h, Burke's all-round display was instrumental in securing Bremen's victory.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.15 - Bremen 1.7
Fastest player: Burke (SVW), 35.15 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Burke (SVW), 45.69 per cent
Most pressed player: Romano Schmid (SVW), 26 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Angelo Stiller (VFB), +3.46

Fantasy Heroes: Burke (SV Werder Bremen, 286 Points), Weiser (SV Werder Bremen, 266 Points), Stergiou (VfB Stuttgart, 263 Points)