News Focus
- Stuttgart finish fourth in the Bundesliga table
- The team will play in next season’s Champions League
- Jonathan Burkardt scored twice from the penalty spot for Frankfurt
- Hoffenheim’s heavy defeat confirmed Stuttgart’s top-four place
- Sebastian Hoeneß guided the club to European qualification
VfB Stuttgart will compete in the Champions League next season. The club confirmed their place in Europe’s top competition on Saturday. They drew 2-2 with Eintracht Frankfurt in their final league match.
Sebastian Hoeneß coached his team to a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga. This result means they qualify for the group stage of next season’s tournament.
The visitors started the match strongly. Chris Führich took a corner kick after ten minutes. Chema Andrés jumped higher than the defenders. He scored with a powerful header. This gave Stuttgart an early lead.
The team scored again late in the second half. Deniz Undav passed the ball to Nikolas Nartey. Nartey scored easily from close range. The attack started with a pass from Führich.
However, Frankfurt fought back strongly. Jonathan Burkardt scored a penalty in the 72nd minute. Alexander Nübel had fouled the striker inside the box.
The referee gave another penalty in added time. Chema Andrés handled the ball. Burkardt scored again. He made the final score 2-2.
The draw was sufficient for Stuttgart. Hoffenheim needed to win to overtake them. However, Hoffenheim lost 4-0 to Borussia Mönchengladbach. This defeat guaranteed Stuttgart’s place in the top four.