Stuttgart's Clinical Masterclass Breaks St. Pauli's Resistance at MHP Arena

À Éviter Score Futmetrix: 25/100. This six-pointer saw Stuttgart impose their Intensity with surgical precision, while St. Pauli, despite Vasilj's heroics, simply couldn't match the hosts' control and cutting edge.

Stuttgart's Stranglehold at the MHP Arena

From the opening whistle, VfB Stuttgart dictated proceedings. Fifty-four percent possession and 17 shots (8 on target) painted a picture of relentless pressure. The Balance was skewed decisively in the hosts' favour. Demirovic struck first after Leweling's assist in the 43rd minute—a reward for Stuttgart's methodical build-up play. The striker doubled the advantage on the hour mark, this time setting up El Khannouss for the second. An 88 percent pass accuracy (462 of 528 passes) underscored their control; this wasn't luck, it was suffocation by design.

Vasilj's Defiance Against the Tide

St. Pauli showed character but lacked the Stakes to truly threaten. Just nine shots (two on target) and an xG of 0.95 told the story—the visitors were outgunned. Nikola Vasilj emerged as their sole bright spark, making six saves and denying a penalty (rating: 8.0). His performance was a masterclass in damage limitation, yet it merely delayed the inevitable. With 46 percent possession and 77 percent pass accuracy, St. Pauli's build-up lacked tempo and incision. They were chasing shadows for 90 minutes.

Chabot's Defensive Fortress

Jeff Chabot was Stuttgart's rock. The defender (rating: 8.3) orchestrated the backline with authority, suffocating St. Pauli's strikers before they could breathe. Twelve combined corners reflected Stuttgart's relentless attacking Intensity—set-piece pressure that St. Pauli's defence simply couldn't breach. Vasilj's six saves and penalty heroics were the only glimmers of hope for the visitors in an otherwise one-sided affair.