An Unforgettable End to the Season
On an emotional afternoon at the Red Bull Arena, RB Leipzig saw its hopes of securing a spot in European competitions shattered after suffering a 3-2 comeback defeat to VfB Stuttgart in the 34th and final round of the 2024/25 Bundesliga. Despite leading twice, Leipzig failed to hold on to the advantage, allowing Stuttgart with goals from Undav, Woltemade, and Demirovic to claim a crucial victory. The result not only propelled Stuttgart up the table but also ended Leipzig’s impressive run of seven consecutive seasons in European tournaments.
First Half: A Promising Start for Leipzig
RB Leipzig started the match with high intensity, aiming for the win needed to secure a European spot. In the 8th minute, Xavi Simons opened the scoring with a backheel after a beautiful team play, sending the crowd into raptures. However, Stuttgart responded in the 23rd minute, when Deniz Undav headed in a precise cross to level the score. Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Ridle Baku restored Leipzig’s lead by capitalizing on a rebound inside the box.
Second Half: Stuttgart’s Comeback
The second half brought a shift in momentum. In the 57th minute, Nick Woltemade equalized again for Stuttgart with a pinpoint header from a corner. Then, in the 78th minute, Ermedin Demirovic completed the turnaround, finishing calmly after a clever assist from Undav. Leipzig had a late goal from Loïs Openda ruled out in the 82nd minute for an offensive foul, ending their chances of a comeback.
Impact on the Table: Stuttgart Towards Europe, Leipzig Out
With the victory, Stuttgart reached 51 points, climbing to seventh place and securing a spot in European competition. RB Leipzig, stuck at 50 points, fell to ninth, missing out on European football for the first time since their promotion to the Bundesliga. This result marks a defining moment for both teams with Stuttgart celebrating a successful campaign and Leipzig entering a period of reassessment.
Tactical Analysis: Contrasting Strategies
Coach Zsolt Löw chose a 4-4-2 setup, aiming to control the midfield and exploit the flanks through Baku and Simons. Although initially effective, the strategy faltered under Stuttgart’s growing pressure. Sebastian Hoeneß, on the other hand, stuck to a similar formation but offered more offensive flexibility. His strategic substitutions especially bringing on Demirovic proved vital to the comeback.
Image by: flashcore.pt
Man of the Match: Deniz Undav
Deniz Undav was the standout performer, playing a central role in Stuttgart’s attack. He not only scored the opening goal but also provided the decisive assist for Demirovic’s winner. His vision and decision-making were instrumental in his team’s success.
Trivia: Head-to-Head History
This match marked Stuttgart’s first-ever victory at the Red Bull Arena against Leipzig. Historically, Leipzig had dominated head-to-head clashes, especially at home. This comeback win symbolizes a possible shift in the balance between the two sides.
What’s Next: Challenges Ahead
Stuttgart now prepares for the DFB-Pokal final against Arminia Bielefeld, aiming to finish the season with silverware. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig faces a time of transition, with a likely squad overhaul and potential coaching changes ahead of the next campaign.
This match will go down as one of the most thrilling of the season, showcasing the unpredictability and passion that make football so captivating.
