Hamburger SV – VfB Stuttgart: Ten-Man HSV Stuns Stuttgart with Late Heroics (2–1)

Die Rothosen stunned their Swabian rivals 2–1 on matchday 12 of the Bundesliga at the Volkparkstadion, despite playing the final 13 minutes with ten men. Stuttgart dominated possession, but HSV’s disciplined counter-attacks and a late tactical shift allowed substitutes to secure a dramatic 94th-minute winner, highlighting the effectiveness of vertical transitions against possession-heavy teams.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum

This Bundesliga encounter pitted the promoted Hamburger SV, struggling for consistency, against a high-flying VfB Stuttgart side under Sebastian Hoeneß known for their attractive, possession-based football. The tactical battle was essentially a defense-vs-offense clinic, with HSV relying on deep organization and quick breaks against Stuttgart’s intricate positional play.

Merlin Polzin set up his Hamburger side in a proactive defensive 3-4-3 formation, aiming for vertical breaks. Daniel Heuer Fernandes was in goal, shielded by a back three of Nicolás Capaldo, Luka Vuskovic, and Jordan Torunarigha. A midfield duo of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolai Remberg were flanked by wingbacks William Mikelbrencis and Miro Muheim. The front three included Rayan Philippe, Robert Glatzel, and Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit.

Sebastian Hoeneß deployed his Stuttgart side in a fluid 3-4-2-1 shape, designed for sustained offensive pressure and territorial control. Alexander Nübel started in goal, behind a back three of Ramon Hendriks, Jeff Chabot, and Ameen Al Dakhil. The central midfield duo was Chema Andres and Nikolas Nartey, flanked by wing-backs Pascal Stenzel and Josha Vagnoman. The attack featured Badredine Bouanani and Chris Führich operating as ’Zehners’ (number tens) in the half-spaces, supporting central forward Bilal El Khannouss.