Stuttgart snatches champions league spot, hoeneß admits leipzig deserved more
VfB Stuttgart’s victory over RB Leipzig on Sunday wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. A crucial three points secured in the race for Champions League qualification, yet the celebrations were tempered by a surprising dose of humility from coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who conceded the result might not have fully reflected the match’s flow.
A lucky break, a fair result?
The game itself was a tense, largely even affair, decided by a costly error from Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. While the Stuttgart faithful roared their approval, Hoeneß was quick to acknowledge the role of fortune. “I wouldn’t say it was entirely deserved,” he admitted to DAZN. “The Leipzigs hit the post twice, including the inside of the post. There’s definitely an element of luck involved, and today it was on our side.” He went on to suggest a draw could have been a more equitable outcome – a rare display of sportsmanship in the high-stakes world of German football.
Undav’s surge and nagelsmann’s call
Amidst the tactical analysis, the individual brilliance of Deniz Undav continued to shine. The Stuttgart striker, who also found the net in their recent Europa League defeat to Porto, is rapidly establishing himself as the bundesliga’s premier German goalscorer. With 16 goals in 22 appearances, Undav sits second in the league’s scoring charts, trailing only Harry Kane's extraordinary run. The question now is whether this form will earn him a call-up from Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann. Undav, characteristically understated, offered a noncommittal response when asked about potential contact: “I don’t know. Maybe we’ve spoken, maybe not. There’s still plenty of time until Thursday.”
Europa league rebound & renewed confidence
The victory over Leipzig arrives at a critical juncture for Stuttgart. Having suffered a disappointing 1-2 loss in the Europa League to Porto mid-week, the team appeared to have lost some of their earlier spark. But Hoeneß praised his squad's resilience and the “great moral” and support they offer each other, particularly after the demanding Thursday fixture. The manager hopes the win will inject renewed self-assurance into the squad as they prepare to face Porto again, trailing 2-1 from the first leg. “Such a victory can bring a little more self-assurance, especially in the final third,” Hoeneß stated, before adding, “Today, I’m really a happy man because the team fought exceptionally well.”
Defender Alex Nübel also echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's defensive solidity and collective effort. “We cleared everything out the back. Our defense was rock solid again. Alex Nübel was there. Everyone was there,” he said. The team's collective determination, combined with Undav’s clinical finishing, positions Stuttgart strongly for the challenges ahead.