Bundesliga on Sunday
Goalkeeper wobble and penalty: Stuttgart celebrates a wild victory
Updated 12/15/2024 – 6:06 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
At the beginning of the game, VfB still had to struggle with Heidenheim’s courageous pressing. Then Stuttgart took over the wild game and saved three points.
VfB Stuttgart stays in touch with the Champions League places. The Swabians won 3-1 (2-1) in the Bundesliga at 1. FC Heidenheim and climbed to sixth place in the table. The goals on Sunday were scored by Maximilian Mittelstädt (20th minute), Enzo Millot (45th +2) and Nick Woltemade (penalty kick, 85th) for VfB.
The Heidenheimers, for whom Bayern loanee Paul Wanner (41st) scored to make it 1-1, remain 16th in the table. in descent. It was the seventh competitive defeat in a row.
While VfB can prepare for the end of the year against FC St. Pauli in a good mood, Heidenheim is under even more pressure before the appearance in Bochum. There is a risk of overwintering in the relegation zone.
In the midst of their unusual negative phase, the Heidenheim team fought their way into the game in the state derby and at times proved to be an unpleasant opponent as expected. Many fouls stopped the flow of the game. However, Stuttgart exposed their deficits and scored their first goal thanks to their efficiency.
Woltemade held his own against FCH captain Patrick Mainka and set up for Mittelstädt, who converted with confidence. The guests’ first dangerous attack scene led to the score being 1-0. Unlike last time against Bern and Union, this time VfB did not fall behind and controlled the game.
Before the surprising equalizer from the hosts, who had been harmless for a long time, the Stuttgart team almost doubled down. But a free kick from around 20 meters from Chris Führich hit the post. FCH’s celebration was preceded by VfB’s loss of the ball during the build-up to the game. VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel had his hand on Wanner’s long-range shot, but was unable to fend it off.
Millot’s mistake led to the remarkable goal – but the midfielder made amends before the break. First he failed because of Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller. He then headed in a deflected cross from Josha Vagnoman.
With the enthusiasm of the renewed lead, the Hoeneß team initially pushed for the third goal in the second half. But the Stuttgart team missed out on chances of making the presumed decision – especially through Millot. So the equalizer remained possible for the Heidenheimers. A cross from Marnon Busch missed the aluminum with just under a quarter of an hour to go. Shortly afterwards, Nübel had to rescue people in dire need. In the end, Woltemade rewarded himself for his good performance and made everything clear from the point.