Undav untameable as Stuttgart's hat-trick hero downs Leipzig in 5-2 thriller
The pick of the 3.30pm kick-off fixtures treated viewers to the clash of 3rd place Stuttgart against 4th place RB Leipzig. Deniz Undav stole the show with three wonderful goals as Sebastian Hoeness’ side ran out 5-2 winners.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges and reaped rewards for their hard work up until the 25th minute. Zagadou’s goal-bound header struck the hand of compatriot Simakan resulting in a penalty. Enzo Millot sent Blaswich the wrong way from the spot. The goals came in a flurry in the Swabian sunshine – Deniz Undav capitalised on a Leipzig lapse in possession. The German’s inch-perfect effort nestled inside the left upright. Die Roten Bullen responded almost instantly to half the deficit at 2-1. David Raum’s pin-point corner diverted to the net by the head of Benjamin Sesko.
If there was any fear of a goalless second-half, those fears were allayed inside three minutes of the restart. Fully aware of his marker on a yellow card, Fuhrich took on Simakan and crossed into the box. Josha Vagnoman redirected the ball to Leweling who lobbed Blaswich with a deft flick. Miraculously, Leipzig responded in the 55th minute as Seiwald played Openda into space. The Belgian marksman opened his body to arc the ball over Nubel.
Stuttgart heads could have dropped but instead Hoeness’ troops opted to fight fire with fire. Fuhrich instrumental yet again, working a short corner to deliver the goal on a plate for Undav. The brace was not enough to satisfy the Swabian’s red-hot striker on this occasion. Leipzig’s defence switched off briefly as Stiller availed of a hasty freekick. Blaswich managed to smother the initial effort, but Undav made no mistake with the second attempt. A hat-trick of immense importance in Stuttgart’s race for the Champions League.