On the night of the 22nd Bundesliga matchday, VfB Stuttgart secured a 3‑1 home victory over 1. FC Köln.
The hosts started strongly and were presented with a big early chance when Deniz Undav had a potential penalty denied after a VAR review – an outcome that could have been justified either as a handball penalty for Stuttgart or a spot‑kick for Köln. In the 15th minute, Stuttgart seized the lead: a cross from Chris Führich found Jamie Leweling, who drove a header into the net, setting up Ermedin Demirovic to finish from close range for a 1‑0 advantage.
Stuttgart were the more active side early on, controlling more possession but failing to widen the lead decisively. Köln struggled in the final third, yet their involvement grew as the match progressed.
After the half‑time break the game intensified. The encounter was marked by numerous duels and interruptions, and clear scoring chances were scarce. Both coaches made several substitutions in response to the mounting pressure.
In the closing stages the action escalated. In the 79th minute, Ragnar Ache capitalised on a rebound after a Stuttgart kickoff, moved clear on Alexander Nübel’s left, and slipped a curling shot into the net to level the score. The visitors’ celebration was short-lived; the next moment a sharp pass from Ramon Hendriks found Demirovic, who, from very close range, netted his second goal of the evening to restore Stuttgart’s 2‑1 lead in the 84th minute. With the match still undecided, Deniz Undav sealed the result in the second minute of added time, finalising the 3‑1 scoreline for Stuttgart.
Köln delivered a respectable away performance and earned the temporary equaliser, though they lacked the consistency to force the ball in the net. Stuttgart, meanwhile, proved more efficient, maintained possession over long stretches, and ultimately decided the match in an emotional final phase.