Stuttgart 1-2 Bayern Munich: Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting net as Julian Nagelsmann’s side return to the top of Bundesliga ahead of Champions League showdown with PSG
- Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring with a stunning strike after 39 minutes
- Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark
- Bayern are ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund on goal difference
Bayern Munich snatched a 2-1 victory at VfB Stuttgart on Saturday courtesy of a fine Matthijs de Ligt performance that put them back into top spot in the Bundesliga.
The Dutch defender drilled in their opening goal in the 39th minute after also denying Stuttgart the lead two minutes earlier when he cleared the ball off the goalline.
Bayern, who face Paris St Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Wednesday following their 1-0 in the first leg, are on 49 points, ahead on goal difference of Borussia Dortmund, winners 2-1 over RB Leipzig on Friday.
Union Berlin are in third place on 44 following their goalless draw against Cologne.
Stuttgart powered to a strong start and caused some early panic in the Bayern defence with their high pressing game while also keeping goalkeeper Yann Sommer busy before the visitors gradually pushed back.
Bayern Munich returned to the top of Bundesliga with a nervy 2-1 win over Stuttgart
Defender Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring with a stunning strike after 39 minutes
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (left) doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark
Despite controlling possession in the first half, Bayern struggled to break through and even the occasional Jamal Musiala solo failed to crack open the Stuttgart backline.
It was de Ligt who had the answer when he wrongfooted his marker and unleashed a shot through a crowded box with Stuttgart keeper Fabian Bredlow letting the ball slip through his hands.
Just two minutes earlier it was de Ligt who had come to the rescue at the other end, clearing a point-blank Konstantinos Mavropanos effort off the line.
With Stuttgart having run out of steam, Bayern struck again with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – fresh from extending his contract on Friday – finishing off a dazzling three-pass move that left their opponents’ defence frozen in place.
It was the Cameroon striker’s 10th league goal of the season.
Stuttgart grabbed a deserved goal with Juan Jose Perea in the 88th that injected some late drama in the game but the hosts ran out of time before they could find an equaliser.
Stuttgart grabbed a deserved goal with Juan Jose Perea in the 88th minute
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