Fifth Bundesliga win on the bounce

Match summary

Comeback for Zagadou

Sebastian Hoeneß changed all 10 outfield players for the first of two meetings with Mainz in the space of four days. Dan-Axel Zagadou made his Bundesliga comeback after 13 months out through injury, and put in a strong performance on his return.

Stuttgart had the majority of the play against the deep-lying visitors and created the first good chance in the 13th minute with a header from Jamie Leweling that drew a good save from Robin Zentner, who was also equal to Deniz Undav’s effort six minutes later. At the other end, Danny da Costa headed over the VfB goal on 23 minutes.

Mainz lead from the spot

With four minutes left of the first half, referee Felix Zwayer awarded Mainz a penalty after a handball by Chema. Nadiem Amiri left Alexander Nübel with no chance, netting high into the left corner to put the visitors ahead.

Führich with brilliant equaliser

But right at the end of first-half stoppage time, VfB came up with the perfect response as Chris Führich deservedly levelled the score with a superb strike into the right corner.

Chance for Stenzel

Pascal Stenzel nearly completed the turnaround almost immediately after the restart, but Zentner just managed to tip his chip over the bar. Stuttgart now upped the ante, with Hoeneß bringing on reinforcements in the form of Angelo Stiller, Lorenz Assignon, Tiago Tomas and Bilal El Khannouss.

Undav with the winner

VfB were rewarded for their efforts in the 80th minute, when Undav latched onto a long kick from Nübel and ran through on goal to make it 2-1.

Goals

41st minute: After a handball by Chema in the box, Amiri confidently tucks the penalty into the left corner.

48th minute: Führich cuts in from the left flank at speed and fires an unstoppable shot into the far corner from 25 metres. Brilliant goal!

80th minute: Nübel hits a long ball over the Mainz defence and Undav is able to run in alone and lift the ball over Zentner for the winning goal.