Demirović stars again as Stuttgart ease past Köln
| Demirović celebrates his goal | Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images |
Stuttgart suffered their first league defeat of 2026 last week away at St. Pauli, but they started this one on a positive note. Deniz Undav tried to chip Marvin Schwäbe inside the first 70 seconds.
The visitors were under immense pressure in the early exchanges. Chris Führich’s delightful cross to the penalty box created the big moment of the first-half in the 15th minute. Jamie Leweling headed the ball to Ermedin Demirović’s direction as the Bosnian also provided a first-time finish.
Demirović, who also scored twice at MHP Arena since recovering from a long-term injury, had Stuttgart’s best chance after his goal when another first-time shot missed the target. Jakub Kamiński and Jan Thielmann had half-chances in a cagey half of football in the Topspiel of matchday 22.
Lukas Kwasniok’s side created the first big chance after the break when Marius Bülter failed to hit the target from close range. Ragnar Ache would then attempt the first shot on target in the second-half, but it hardly tested Alexander Nübel.
Köln continued their push with Said El Mala and Luca Waldschmidt coming on as substitutes with 25 minutes left to play. Instead of responding with defensive shifts, Sebastian Hoeneß first brought on Bilal El Khannouss in place of Führich.
Demirović’s solitary goal was enough for Stuttgart a fortnight ago against Freiburg, and the same outcome was on the horizon when Köln’s momentum started to fade away. However, Stuttgart suddenly showed complacency when El Mala awarded a decent chance from a loose pass by substitute Joshua Vagnomann.
The teenage sensation couldn’t punish the hosts, but Ache did a minute later after another misplaced pass by Jeff Chabot. The striker reacted fast before chipping Nübel with a delightful finish.
Luckily for Stuttgart, Demirović wasn’t going to be denied his match-winner status. The 27-year-old netted with yet another first-time finish after a brilliant delivery from substitute Ramon Hendriks. After a series of mistakes by Köln, Undav marked his 100th game for the club with the goal that confirmed the three points in the first minute of injury-time.
The Swabians will be in action on Thursday night as they face Scottish Premiership giants Celtic at Celtic Park in the first-leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff tie. A trip to Heidenheim will await them before the return fixture at the MHP Stadium.
Köln will face a team targeting Champions League football for the third week running when they host third-placed Hoffenheim next week.
