One goal is enough: Stuttgart overcome Bremen to climb the Bundesliga table

VfB Stuttgart secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen in Saturday's Bundesliga Topspiel. An early goal from Maximilian Mittelstädt proved decisive, as the hosts held off a much-improved Bremen side after the break to claim all three points.

Here is our full match report:

Match report: VfB Stuttgart vs. Werder Bremen

VfB Stuttgart made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, putting Werder Bremen under considerable pressure during the first 20 minutes. The hosts dominated proceedings and were rewarded for their aggressive start in the seventh minute.

A low cross from Grischa Prömel found Maximilian Mittelstädt arriving perfectly inside the penalty area. The left-back timed his run to perfection and fired the ball into the net to give Stuttgart an early 1-0 lead.

Much of the attention before kick-off had been on Niclas Füllkrug following his latest Germany call-up. However, the Bremen striker struggled to make an impact against Stuttgart defender Jeff Chabot. The two were involved in several physical duels, with Chabot largely keeping his opponent at bay.

Bremen had little to celebrate during the opening 45 minutes, although their recent record offered some encouragement. The visitors had already collected six points this season after falling behind, while also enjoying more possession than Stuttgart in this match. Can they turn it around once more?

The second half began with another dangerous Stuttgart opportunity. Following a threatening corner, Mittelstädt found himself with space on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot. However, Bremen goalkeeper Karl Hein managed to get his fingertips to the ball, diverting it onto the post and preventing Stuttgart from doubling their advantage.

The save proved important as Bremen gradually grew into the game. The visitors looked considerably more confident after the interval, won more individual duels and managed to create several promising attacking situations.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, struggled to maintain the intensity of their opening-half performance. Sebastian Hoeneß's side increasingly found themselves on the back foot as Bremen searched for an equaliser.

One positive for the Stuttgart coach was the performance of 19-year-old Yanik Spalt. The youngster is gradually establishing himself in the starting eleven and once again demonstrated his importance to the team. After featuring prominently during the midweek trip to Istanbul, he delivered another encouraging performance against Bremen. His playing style offers Hoeneß a valuable alternative in midfield, particularly when Angelo Stiller, like currently, is unavailable.

Despite their improved display, Bremen struggled to turn their attacking pressure into clear-cut finishing opportunities. Füllkrug, in particular, was unable to produce his best performance against a well-organised Stuttgart defence.

Ultimately, Mittelstädt's early strike proved enough to separate the sides. Stuttgart secured an important three points and climbed to eighth place in the Bundesliga table, while Werder Bremen remain fifth for the time being, despite their defeat.