St. Pauli attempts to ascend to first place are foiled by VfB, with Demirovic playing a significant role in the victory.
VfB Stuttgart Secures Impressive 2-0 Victory Over FC St. Louis
In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter, VfB Stuttgart emerged victorious against FC St. Louis, securing a crucial 2-0 win. The match, played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, saw a series of exciting moments and near misses.
Angelo Stiller, Stuttgart's midfielder, missed a penalty and a goal-scoring opportunity, but the team managed to celebrate a win nonetheless. Ermedin Demirovic, who wore the captain's armband in the match, scored the lead goal for Stuttgart, benefiting from his second success in a week. Bilal El Khannouss also contributed a goal, with Stiller providing the assist.
FC St. Louis' goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, showcased his penalty-saving prowess, saving his sixth penalty in his Bundesliga career from seven attempts. Vasilj saved another penalty in the match, denying Stiller the opportunity to take the lead.
The victory was desired by coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who praised the team's improved energy and running. However, Stuttgart's defense was tested, with defender Jeff Chabot clearing a cross towards his own goal for a corner, marking one of the most dangerous moments for Stuttgart.
St. Louis, previously undefeated in all four away games in Baden-Württemberg, lacked the necessary punch in the match. The Hamburg side showed a better phase after the second setback, but VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel was not beaten on this occasion. St. Louis' attacks mainly came from the wings, but they struggled to find teammates with their crosses.
Despite his 15 league goals last season and four goal contributions this season, Demirovic is strangely often negatively evaluated. His shot for Stuttgart went too high and he was offside on Stiller's apparent 3-0 goal. Further goals from Demirovic and Stiller were also disallowed due to offside positions.
Karazor made way for new signing Chema Andrés, who had scored the winning goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach in Stuttgart's only previous season victory. The change proved to be a strategic one, as Stuttgart managed to hold on to their lead and secure the win.
The match was not without controversy, with Sascha Stegemann, the referee, pointing to the spot for a penalty in favour of Stuttgart after a foul by Erich Smith, defender of FC St. Louis. Louis Oppie's shot for FC St. Louis hit the crossbar (52.), but it was not enough to turn the tide in favour of the visitors.
In the end, VfB Stuttgart's victory prevented St. Louis from taking the lead in the Bundesliga table, ensuring a tight race for the top spots in the league.
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