Stuttgart – Frankfurt: Nartey’s Late Heroics Seal a Five-Goal Thriller (3-2)

Stuttgart and Frankfurt met on Matchday 17 aiming to boost their European hopes. Stuttgart made just one change from their win over Leverkusen, with Ermedin Demirović returning to the starting XI, while Frankfurt, after a 3–3 draw with Dortmund, made three changes including starts for Kauã Santos and debutant Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

The MHPArena was buzzing as Stuttgart looked to build on their dominant win over Leverkusen. Hoeneß remained faithful to his high-tempo system, though he faced a Frankfurt side that arrived with fresh winter signings and a point to prove. The early exchange suggested a tactical chess match, but it quickly devolved into a game of clinical transition and psychological resilience.

Stuttgart maintained their core 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 hybrid. Alexander Nübel started in goal behind Josha Vagnoman, Ramon Hendriks, Jeff Chabot, and Maximilian Mittelstädt. Atakan Karazor and Angelo Stiller formed the double pivot, while Jamie Leweling and Chris Führich provided the width for the front pairing of Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović.

Eintracht Frankfurt mirrored the hosts with a disciplined 4-4-2 formation under Dino Toppmöller. Kaua Santos took the gloves behind a back four of Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Aurèle Amenda, and Arthur Theate. Ritsu Doan and Ansgar Knauff operated as the wide midfielders, flanking the engine room of Ellyes Skhiri and Oscar Højlund. Up front, the dual threat was led by Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga and Younes Ebnoutalib.

Stuttgart concede, then dominate 

Frankfurt drew first blood in the 5th minute through a scenario Stuttgart usually handles with ease: a set-piece . . .