Ermedin Demirović struck in the 89th minute to secure a crucial 1-0 victory for VfB Stuttgart over SC Freiburg at the MHPArena on Sunday, lifting Sebastian Hoeneß's side into fourth place in the Bundesliga and the final Champions League qualification spot. The Bosnian striker's late intervention proved decisive in a tightly contested affair that seemed destined for a goalless draw.
The winning goal came when Deniz Undav delivered a precise cross from the left flank that found Demirović in space inside the penalty area. The striker controlled the ball expertly before unleashing a brilliant strike under the crossbar near the right post, leaving the Freiburg goalkeeper with no chance. The MHPArena erupted as Stuttgart's Champions League dreams remained firmly alive.
Stuttgart dominated proceedings throughout, enjoying 69.5 percent of possession compared to Freiburg's 30.5 percent. The hosts registered 18 shot attempts with seven on target, while Freiburg managed just 11 attempts with only two troubling the goalkeeper. The statistics told a story of Stuttgart's territorial superiority, though they required a moment of quality to break down their stubborn opponents.
The victory moved Stuttgart three points clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig with 14 rounds of the Bundesliga season remaining. After a campaign that threatened to mirror the struggles of previous years, Stuttgart have positioned themselves as genuine contenders for European football's elite competition under Hoeneß's astute guidance.
For Freiburg, the defeat represents a frustrating afternoon despite their defensive efforts. Christian Streich's side arrived at the MHPArena with ambitions of their own, sitting on 27 points with a record of seven wins, six draws, and seven defeats. However, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly against a Stuttgart side that punished them when it mattered most.
Stuttgart's transformation this season has been remarkable, with the club now boasting a record of 12 wins, three draws, and five defeats from their 20 Bundesliga fixtures. The victory over Freiburg continues their push for Champions League football and represents another statement of intent from a side that refuses to accept mediocrity.
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