VfB Stuttgart clinched a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against RB Leipzig in a Bundesliga match. After falling behind to Benjamin Sesko’s early goal, Stuttgart equalized through Jakob Bruun Larsen and took the lead with Nick Woltemade’s strike. The game ended with Leipzig reduced to nine men after Sesko and Lois Openda received red cards. This win elevated Stuttgart to fifth place in the league, just one point shy of fourth-placed Leipzig.
VfB Stuttgart Secures Thrilling Comeback Victory Over RB Leipzig
The VfB Stuttgart achieved a hard-fought 2:1 victory at home against RB Leipzig, overcoming a first-half deficit in an exciting Bundesliga encounter. A remarkable second-half performance played a crucial role in their success.
RB Leipzig took an early lead when Benjamin Sesko scored in the 10th minute. However, Stuttgart quickly responded after halftime, with goals from Jakob Bruun Larsen in the 50th minute and Nick Woltemade in the 59th minute turning the game in their favor. The match concluded with both Sesko and his teammate Lois Openda receiving yellow-red cards, leaving Leipzig with nine men on the pitch.
Stuttgart Climbs the Table
This victory propelled Stuttgart to fifth place in the league standings, bringing them closer to Champions League qualification, with 29 points—just a single point behind Leipzig, who currently sit in fourth.
VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The boys brought real power to the pitch. Even in the first half, which was certainly not as good as the second, but still decent. Considering the whole game, the result is fair.”
In contrast, RB coach Marco Rose emphasized the need for his team to capitalize on their opportunities, saying, “In such top matches, it comes down to details. We need to learn to reward ourselves and get the result we deserve based on our efforts.”
The match began with a flurry of fouls, leading to an early yellow card for Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav. The rough play hindered the flow of the game, but both teams displayed an attacking intent. Leipzig capitalized on a Stuttgart error, with Sesko scoring from close range for his eighth goal of the season.
Stuttgart’s Openda came close to scoring in the 18th minute, striking the post with a long-range effort. As the first half progressed, Stuttgart began to assert themselves, but they were unable to convert their chances, allowing Leipzig to maintain their slim lead into halftime.
Stuttgart emerged from the break with renewed vigor, quickly equalizing through Bruun Larsen’s header from Undav’s cross in the 50th minute. Just nine minutes later, they took the lead, with Woltemade capitalizing on a rebound after Undav’s shot was saved by RB’s goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi.
Leipzig struggled to respond effectively after falling behind. Ridle Baku had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 69th minute but was unable to convert from close range. The situation worsened for Leipzig as Sesko and Openda were both sent off in the closing stages, sealing Stuttgart’s victory.
Looking ahead, VfB Stuttgart will face SC Freiburg in their next match on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 3:30 PM, while RB Leipzig will visit VfL Bochum. The second half of the season promises to be thrilling for both teams.