VfB Stuttgart sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Young Boys Bern in their final UEFA Europa League league-phase match, with Chema Andrés striking in the 90th minute to cap off a breathless night at the MHP Arena. The win secures 11th place in the league-phase table, earning the Swabians a seeded position in the knockout play-offs.
Lightning Start Sets the Tone
Stuttgart wasted no time asserting control. Deniz Undav opened the scoring in the 6th minute, finishing calmly after a sharp cross from Lorenz Assignon. Barely a minute later, Undav turned provider, slipping the ball into the path of Ermedin Demirović, who doubled the lead with a composed finish.
The early double strike sent the home crowd into celebration and appeared to put Stuttgart firmly in command.
Young Boys Fight Back Before the Break
Despite Stuttgart’s dominance, Young Boys found a lifeline shortly before half-time. A misplaced pass at the back was punished as Armin Gigović unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area in the 42nd minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and shifting momentum heading into the interval.
Stunning Equaliser Sparks Second-Half Drama
The visitors came out strong after the restart and were rewarded in the 57th minute. From a corner delivered by Edimilson Fernandes, Sandro Lauper met the ball perfectly on the volley, firing into the top corner to make it 2-2.
What followed was a wide-open contest. Both teams pushed for a winner, creating chances at either end in an intense, end-to-end battle.
Chema Andrés Delivers at the Death
As the match entered its final moments, Stuttgart struck decisively. A swift counterattack saw Jamie Leweling drive down the left and send a low cross across the box. Chema Andrés, arriving unmarked at the far post, smashed home with his first touch in the 90th minute, sealing a dramatic victory.
The late goal sparked wild celebrations as Stuttgart finally broke Young Boys’ resistance.
Match Summary
UEFA Europa League – League Phase, Matchday 8
Venue: MHP Arena, Stuttgart
Final Score:
VfB Stuttgart 3-2 Young Boys
Goals:
- Undav (6’)
- Demirović (7’)
- Gigović (42’)
- Lauper (57’)
- Chema Andrés (90’)
Stuttgart Secure Seeded Play-Off Spot
The victory lifts Stuttgart to 11th place in the final league-phase standings, ensuring a seeded draw in the Europa League play-offs for a place in the round of 16. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side will face either Ludogorets Razgrad or Celtic in the next round.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Stuttgart showed attacking efficiency early but had to dig deep defensively
- Young Boys impressed with resilience and two high-quality goals
- Chema Andrés proved decisive with a perfectly timed late run
- The win boosts Stuttgart’s European momentum heading into the knockout phase
What’s Next for Stuttgart?
With the league phase complete, Stuttgart now turn their focus to the Europa League knockout play-offs, carrying confidence from a thrilling home victory. The performance once again highlighted their ability to compete at European level, especially in high-pressure moments.