Three Lead Changes: Stuttgart Seizes Rhine Valley Six-Pointer

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 74/100. A six-pointer played at peak intensity—Stuttgart's VAR-confirmed penalty and Vagnoman's decisive 81st-minute strike proved the difference as Cologne's early dominance crumbled at RheinEnergieStadion.

Kaminski's Lightning Strike Undone by Stuttgart's Control

J. Kaminski gave Cologne the perfect start in the fourth minute, capitalising on Ragnar Ache's creative play to fire his side ahead. But the match's balance shifted decisively in Stuttgart's favour. The visitors seized possession (57% to 43%) and suffocated Cologne's rhythm with methodical passing (85% accuracy, 507 total passes). The turning point arrived in the 25th minute when VAR confirmed a penalty—Ermedin Demirović converted with composure to level at 1-1. From that moment, stakes escalated with every corner and shot.

Vagnoman's Late Blow Caps Frantic Finale

Cologne fought back with intensity, launching 15 shots (7 on target) in their search for a second goal. Yet Stuttgart's clinical edge proved decisive. In the 81st minute, Josha Vagnoman arrived to finish Stiller's assist, sending Stuttgart into the lead for the final time. The match exploded into life—30 combined shots, 16 corners, and eight saves between the keepers told the story of relentless intensity. Stuttgart's 1.87 Expected Goals versus Cologne's 1.08 revealed the underlying truth: the visitors converted their chances while Cologne squandered theirs despite dominating the box with 10 shots inside the area.

The Verdict

Stuttgart climb to fifth with a crucial three points in the title race. Cologne's form stabilises at seventh, but this loss stings—they had the early momentum and the attacking thrust, yet lacked the composure when it mattered. The VAR-confirmed penalty will linger in conversation, yet Stuttgart earned their win through possession, patience, and the ruthlessness that defines winners.