Borussia Dortmund – VfB Stuttgart: Guirassy Goal Seals Stuttgart European Football Next Season (0-1)

VfB Stuttgart spoiled the Signal Iduna Park’s 50th birthday party with a 1-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. The win moved Sebastian Hoeneß’s side level on points with Bayern Munich and guarantees the club a top-six finish this season, meaning European football in 2024/25.

Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy.

Borussia Dortmund hosted VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 28 of this Bundesliga campaign, a date which marked 50 years since the opening of their iconic stadium. This fixture was the 107th time these two clubs have gone head-to-head in the league, with their previous meetings producing 363 goals.

Today’s clash was a battle of third versus fourth, with the visitors holding a four point advantage over the home team prior to kick-off. These sides have already faced each other twice this season, with Stuttgart emerging victorious on both occasions.

Dortmund came into this game on a run of five consecutive wins across all competitions. In their most recent outing, Edin Terzic's side had secured their first win at the Allianz Arena in almost a decade when they defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in Der Klassiker.

For this match, their team was bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, from illness, and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, from suspension. The rest of the line-up consisted of Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen in a back four. Emre Can in central midfield, with Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi providing the width, and Julian Brandt playing in and around Niclas Füllkrug up front.

As for Stuttgart, Sebastian . . .