Bayern Munich Secures Victory in Stuttgart with 3-1 Win

The FC Bayern Munich has taken another step towards the championship, winning the Bundesliga south showdown against VfB Stuttgart 3-1 (1-1). Despite not shining, the record champions extended their lead at the top of the table to eleven points over Bayer Leverkusen, at least temporarily. This victory also boosts their confidence ahead of the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Bayern Remains Unbeaten in Ten League Matches

Angelo Stiller gave Stuttgart the lead in the 34th minute, marking their third consecutive home loss in the league. However, Bayern turned the match around with goals from the impressive Michael Olise (45th minute) and Leon Goretzka (64th minute). Goretzka’s goal came after a mistake by Stiller, who had previously played well. Kingsley Coman sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute.

Bayern has now gone ten league games unbeaten, winning nine of those matches. Stuttgart, on the other hand, continues to face uncertainty regarding their chances of qualifying for European competitions again after this latest home defeat.

Palhinha Returns to Bayern’s Starting Lineup

For the first time this season, Bayern had to play without their injured national team captain, Joshua Kimmich. Aleksandar Pavlovic also missed the match due to illness, which allowed João Palhinha, a €50 million signing, to start in midfield for the first time since early November.

Stuttgart Starts Strong

Early in the match, Stuttgart almost caught Bayern off guard. After a long kick from Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, Josha Vagnoman found himself free in front of Bayern’s goal, but his weak chip shot was an easy save for keeper Manuel Neuer (6th minute).

During an entertaining first half that was at times heated and chaotic, Stuttgart appeared to be the better team. However, their defensive frailties opened opportunities for Bayern.

Olise was denied by Nübel with a low shot (16th minute), and Jamal Musiala sent the ball wide after a misunderstanding in Stuttgart’s defense (22nd minute), marking the best chance of the game up to that point.

Stiller Scores Against His Former Club

Stuttgart, showing the courage demanded by coach Sebastian Hoeneß, was rewarded just after the half-hour mark. After Deniz Undav missed a huge chance (31st minute), Stiller scored a fantastic goal from the edge of the penalty area to put Stuttgart ahead 1-0. It was a special moment for Stiller, a Munich native and former Bayern youth player.

Bayern quickly responded as Leroy Sané, who lost the ball before Stuttgart’s goal, assisted Olise, who scored with a well-placed shot into the left corner. The goal was initially reviewed for a potential offside but was ultimately allowed.

Stuttgart’s Mistake Leads to Bayern’s Second Goal

In the second half, Bayern’s star striker Harry Kane had a chance but was denied by Nübel (63rd minute).

Shortly after, Stuttgart gifted Bayern a goal as Nübel’s pass put Stiller under pressure, allowing Goretzka to intercept and score to put Bayern up 2-1.

Stuttgart pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Bayern extended their lead with a goal from the substituted Coman after a careless turnover from the hosts in midfield.