VfB Stuttgart secured a much-needed 1-0 Bundesliga victory over Werder Bremen at the MHPArena, avoiding what would have been a third consecutive home defeat.
The hosts made a fast start after their 4-2 win against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend and went ahead after only seven minutes. Grischa Promel delivered a cross into a dangerous area, where Maximilian Mittelstadt met it perfectly and guided a side-footed finish into the top corner.
Stuttgart had opportunities to strengthen their position before the interval. Bilal El Khannouss failed to convert several chances, although he forced Karl Hein into a save from distance before the half-hour mark. Jeff Chabot then headed narrowly wide from a corner.
Werder’s clearest opening of the first half fell to Youri Regeer, whose flicked header went inches past the post.
The visitors had scored 14 of their 17 league goals this season after half-time, so Stuttgart knew a second-half response could quickly change the match. Eren Dinkci tested Dennis Seimen with a shot from the edge of the penalty area following a free-kick, but the young goalkeeper held it comfortably.
Seimen then produced an outstanding save to deny Regeer from close range and preserve Stuttgart’s advantage.
At the other end, Hein remained alert in the opening stages of the second half. He got down well to keep out Mittelstadt’s attempt to score a second after Stuttgart worked a corner routine effectively.
Stuttgart had further reason to be concerned as the match entered its closing stages. Both teams had scored in seven of the club’s previous eight home matches, but the hosts were determined to protect their lead and record a clean sheet.
Seimen again came to their rescue when Ludovit Reis turned and struck towards goal. The goalkeeper stood firm and refused to be beaten.
The result was a welcome return to winning form for the Swabian side, who had lost 2-0 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League during the week. The three points move VfB Stuttgart into the top half of the Bundesliga table.
Werder Bremen’s seven-match unbeaten league run came to an end. Their sequence had included four wins and three draws, but they remain in fifth place and are still exceeding expectations.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Maximilian Mittelstadt (VfB Stuttgart)