VfB Stuttgart defeated 1. FC Köln 3-1 at home in the 22nd matchday of the Bundesliga. The hero of the match was Ermedin Demirović, who scored two goals. Although the visitors from Cologne managed to equalize in the second half, the determination of Sebastian Hoeneß's team allowed them to regain the lead. This victory allows the Swabian side to realistically dream of returning to the Champions League ahead of the upcoming clash with Celtic Glasgow.

Ermedin Demirović's Brace

The striker scored two goals in the 15th and 84th minutes, becoming the key figure in the victory over 1. FC Köln.

Advancement in the League Table

Thanks to the 3-1 win, VfB Stuttgart temporarily moved up to fourth place in the Bundesliga table.

Problems for Cologne Fans

About 700 fans of the visitors did not reach the stadium after being detained by police on the route to Stuttgart.

The VfB Stuttgart team proved its strength in the closing stages of matches by defeating 1. FC Köln 3-1. The match started favorably for the hosts when in the 15th minute the score was opened by Ermedin Demirović. Despite Stuttgart's optical dominance, the visitors managed to equalize in the 79th minute with a shot from Ragnar Ache. However, the final phase of the match once again belonged to Demirović, who in the 84th minute put his team ahead, and the score was sealed in stoppage time by Deniz Undav. VfB Stuttgart is one of the oldest clubs in Germany, founded in 1893. After years of crisis, in the 2023/2024 season, the team sensationally won the national runner-up title, restoring its former glory. The victory over Cologne has significant psychological importance, as it comes a week after an unexpected defeat by FC St. Pauli. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß emphasized after the match that the team regained belief in its abilities, reminding him of the atmosphere from the previous successful season. This success allowed the club to temporarily move up to fourth place in the table, although their final position depended on the result of the RB Leipzig match. Incidents involving visiting fans occurred around the stadium, with a large group being detained by police on the highway. „Belief has returned to the team. The qualities VfB showed remind me of our wonderful runner-up season.” — Sebastian Hoeneß For the Cologne team, the defeat is particularly painful as it fits into a negative series of results during the carnival weekend. Despite a professional approach and attempts to avoid distractions related to celebrations in their hometown, the players failed to break the curse. Stuttgart now focuses on the upcoming trip to Glasgow, where they will face Celtic in European competition. High morale and the return to form of key strikers are signals to fans that the team is ready to fight for the highest goals both domestically and internationally. Result of the 22nd Bundesliga Matchday: VfB Stuttgart 3:1 1. FC Köln

Mentioned People

  • Ermedin Demirović — Main scorer for VfB Stuttgart in the match against Köln, scorer of two goals.
  • Sebastian Hoeneß — Coach of VfB Stuttgart, praising his team's morale after the victory.
  • Deniz Undav — Scorer of the third goal for Stuttgart in stoppage time.