In a game that promised goals and drama, Stuttgart left it late to snatch a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in the dying seconds of their Bundesliga clash. Hoffenheim, on the verge of claiming a rare away victory, saw their hopes dashed when Ermedin Demirović scored a last-gasp penalty to rescue a point for the hosts. Here’s how the action unfolded in what was a nail-biting encounter.
First Half: Hoffenheim’s Early Fire and Stuttgart’s Missed Chances
With Stuttgart hunting for their third league win in four games and Hoffenheim languishing in 16th, few expected the visitors to take the early initiative. But in the first five minutes, Hoffenheim nearly stunned the home crowd. Adam Hložek danced past Stuttgart keeper Alexander Nübel, only to have his shot cleared off the line by Anthony Rouault. It was a wake-up call for the hosts, who quickly responded with their threat as a powerful header from El Bilal Touré was cleared off the line by a last-ditch tackle from Gendrey.
Stuttgart began to build momentum as the half progressed. Maximilian Mittelstädt came closest for the home side, sending an effort just inches wide of the post. But despite the pressure, it was Hoffenheim who struck first. Just before half-time, a poor touch from Mittelstädt allowed Gendrey to pounce and slot home his first-ever Bundesliga goal, giving Hoffenheim a crucial 1-0 lead at the break.
Second Half: Hoffenheim’s Defending and Stuttgart’s Desperation
Hoffenheim, who had suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Werder Bremen after squandering a three-goal lead in their previous match, were determined not to repeat the same mistake. After the restart, the visitors shifted to a more defensive approach, determined to protect their slender advantage. Stuttgart struggled to break Hoffenheim’s defense, with their best chance falling to Jamie Leweling, who fired directly at Oliver Baumann in goal.
Despite Hoffenheim’s solid defensive stance, Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, who had already netted four league goals this season, squandered two golden opportunities late in the game. Undav blasted a close-range effort over the bar before firing another attempt straight at Baumann. As time ticked away, it seemed Hoffenheim would hold on for a vital away win.
Stoppage-Time Drama: Demirović’s Penalty
However, a late twist changed everything just when Hoffenheim thought they had done enough. In the final minute of stoppage time, VAR intervened to award Stuttgart a penalty after Kevin Akpoguma was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Although Oliver Baumann saved Demirović’s initial effort, the striker reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, leveling the score at 1-1 with what proved to be the game’s final kick.
The draw extended Stuttgart’s remarkable scoring run to 23 consecutive Bundesliga matches, leaving them just two points off the European spots. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunity as they remain rooted in 16th place after agonizingly surrendering two points.
Conclusion: Hoffenheim’s Pain, Stuttgart’s Relief
This classic Bundesliga match was filled with tension, missed opportunities, and last-minute drama. Hoffenheim will feel they let a crucial win slip through their fingers, while Stuttgart will breathe a sigh of relief after salvaging a point dramatically. The result leaves Hoffenheim battling to stay out of the relegation zone, while Stuttgart keeps their sights on European qualification.
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