VfB Stuttgart, securing a crucial victory at home against Union Berlin with a scoreline of 2-0 on Friday, have elevated themselves to within a single point of Bayern Munich, solidifying their aspirations for qualification to the Champions League.
The leading goal scorer, Serhou Guirassy, initiated the scoring spree with an early opener in the 19th minute, during a first half that witnessed an evenly contested exchange of dominance, albeit arguably tilted in favor of the Berliners. Following suit, midfielder Chris Führich, who harbors ambitions of securing a berth in Germany’s Euro 2024 squad, consolidated their advantage with a sublime finish in the 65th minute.
Expressing his sentiments on their performance, Führich conveyed to DAZN, “We are playing great. But there are a lot of other top players vying for a spot on the left (for Germany).”
Stuttgart finds themselves in an enviable position with a 10-point lead over fifth-placed RB Leipzig, with only 10 matches remaining in the season. Sebastian Hoeneß, assuming the managerial reins in April of the previous year, orchestrated a commendable turnaround, steering the team clear of relegation woes that had plagued them for years, including a stint in the second tier during the 2019-20 season after succumbing to Union in the playoffs.
Under Hoeneß’s tutelage, Stuttgart has rejuvenated the spirit reminiscent of their 2007 title-winning campaign, propelling them to the brink of a top-four finish and the coveted berth in the Champions League. The notable resurgence owes much to the prolific form of Guirassy, who notched his 21st league goal of the season with a clinical first-time strike, orchestrated by Atakan Karazor’s incisive pass.
Despite encountering injury setbacks in January and African Nations Cup commitments, Guirassy remains second in the Bundesliga scoring charts, trailing only behind Bayern’s Harry Kane.
Führich, with his seventh goal of the season, capped off a breakthrough Bundesliga campaign at the age of 26, injecting vitality into Stuttgart’s midfield dynamics. Union Berlin’s hopes were further dampened with the dismissal of Hungary midfielder András Schäfer for a reckless challenge, amplifying Stuttgart’s dominance.
Reflecting on the outcome, Union wing-back Robin Gosens conceded, “I think we have to accept Stuttgart’s win.”
Under the stewardship of Nenad Bjelica, Union Berlin has managed to steer clear of relegation perils after a dismal start under Urs Fischer in the first half of the season. However, their recent winless streak of three matches has cast doubts over their quest for stability, albeit remaining hopeful of maintaining a safe distance from the relegation zone.
Bayern’s clash against Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen’s encounter with Wolfsburg will further unfold the Bundesliga narrative over the weekend, as teams vie for supremacy in the league standings.