AUGSBURG, Germany – VfB Stuttgart emphatically shook off their recent Europa League disappointment, dismantling FC Augsburg 5-2 on Sunday in a commanding performance that solidified their position in the Bundesliga’s Champions League race. Deniz Undav was the star of the show, scoring twice and providing an assist, as Stuttgart ended Augsburg’s eight-game unbeaten run at the WWK Arena.
Stuttgart came out firing, and Undav was at the heart of their early dominance. In the 12th minute, Chris Führich’s through ball found Angelo Stiller, whose subsequent cross was unfortunately directed into the path of Undav by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen. The in-form striker calmly slotted the ball home to give Stuttgart the lead.
Undav’s goal marked his sixth consecutive Bundesliga match with a goal – a feat not even Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has achieved this season. The prolific form has also earned Undav a recall to the German national team for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland on March 27th and Ghana on March 30th. Stiller, who provided the assist, has also reportedly been included in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad as a late replacement for the injured Aleksandar Pavlovic, according to reports.
Angelo Stiller (2nd from left) celebrates with Tiago Tomás (left) after scoring 2-0.
Stuttgart Overwhelms Augsburg
Sebastian Hoeneß’s Stuttgart continued their relentless attack, extending their lead in the 29th minute. Nikolas Nartey played a clever backheel pass to Tiago Tomás, who finished clinically to craft it 2-0. Just two minutes later, Nartey added another, tapping in Maximilian Mittelstädt’s low cross to put Stuttgart firmly in control with a 3-0 advantage.
Augsburg attempted to respond, and Fabian Rieder briefly gave the home fans hope with a goal in the 57th minute. However, any momentum was immediately extinguished as Undav restored Stuttgart’s three-goal cushion just a minute later, capitalizing on a rebound after Chris Führich’s shot was saved. This was Undav’s 18th Bundesliga goal of the season, equaling his personal best from the previous campaign.
Anton Kade pulled one back for Augsburg in the 71st minute, but the comeback proved to be short-lived. Ermedin Demirović, a former Augsburg player, sealed the victory for Stuttgart in the 83rd minute, assisted by Undav, completing the 5-2 rout.
The result brought an finish to Augsburg’s impressive eight-game unbeaten run at home, a club record equaled before Sunday’s encounter. Interestingly, Stuttgart was also the team that halted a similar home unbeaten streak for Augsburg back in the 2011/12 season.
The win propels Stuttgart into third place in the Bundesliga standings, three points ahead of RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies. For Augsburg, it was a disappointing evening, but they remain comfortably above the relegation zone.
Stuttgart’s next challenge comes after the international break, while Augsburg will look to rebound from this defeat as they continue their Bundesliga campaign. The international break provides a chance for players to regroup and prepare for the final stretch of the season, where every point will be crucial in achieving their respective goals.
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