A Tactical Shift and Late Surge Propel Stuttgart to Crucial Europa League Victory
VfB Stuttgart secured a vital 2-0 victory over Feyenoord Rotterdam at the Arena on Matchday 4 of the Europa League group stage, a result that significantly bolsters their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds. The match, initially characterized by cautious play and a dominant Feyenoord, dramatically shifted gears in the final stages, exposing vulnerabilities in both sides and highlighting the tactical adjustments made by Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß.
The visitors from Rotterdam controlled the early proceedings, exhibiting superior ball retention and appearing more comfortable in possession. Stuttgart, conversely, struggled with accuracy and suffered from a concerning number of turnovers, though they managed to withstand the pressure, denying Feyenoord any clear-cut opportunities. Anis Hadj Moussa’s early effort, superbly saved by Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, illustrated Feyenoord’s intent.
While Stuttgart attempted to pose a threat through long-range shots, the lack of precision in their attacking play was evident. Defensive lapses and unsettling build-up errors, however, remained a persistent concern, leaving the home side exposed to potential counter-attacks. A late first-half foul by Mittelstädt, leading to a cautioned foul and squandered free kick, hinted at the simmering tension on the pitch.
The introduction of Jamie Leweling at halftime proved pivotal. His inclusion noticeably injected pace and dynamism into Stuttgart’s attack, opening up the game considerably. A subsequent headed opportunity for Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda narrowly missed the target, a near miss that foreshadowed the later offensive shifts.
A critical double chance for Stuttgart in the 69th minute, showcasing Undav’s missed opportunity and Leweling’s narrowly averted shot, signaled a critical turning point. The match then entered a frantic phase, with both teams aggressively pursuing victory.
Bilal El Khannouss’s goal in the 84th minute – a dramatic combination of a header off a Lorenz Assignon cross and an unfortunate deflection off the crossbar – finally broke the deadlock. El Khannouss’s subsequent shirt removal earned him a yellow card, perhaps a reflection of the pent-up frustration and intensity of the match. The goal underscored a defensive vulnerability in Feyenoord’s marking.
Deniz Undav sealed the victory in the first minute of added time, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack initiated by Leweling and Führich. The ease with which Undav slotted the ball into an empty net exposed a surprising lack of defensive organization in the visiting team.
The result leaves Stuttgart in a considerably stronger position within the group. However, the performance raises questions about the side’s early game composure and the repeated defensive errors that almost cost them the victory. While the late surge was undoubtedly impressive, the underlying tactical problems that surfaced in the first half require careful attention if Stuttgart are to navigate the remainder of the Europa League campaign successfully. The victory, although welcome, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent fragility within the squad and the challenges that lie ahead.