VfB Stuttgart delivered a commanding performance thursday evening, defeating maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 in a Europa League group stage match played under heightened security due too the ongoing conflict in the middle East [[3]]. The decisive victory, fueled by goals from Lorenz Assignon, Tiago Tomas, Maximilian Mittelstädt, and Josha Vagnoman, puts the German club on the verge of advancing to the knockout rounds [[1]], [[2]].
VfB Stuttgart took a major step toward the Europa League knockout stage with a dominant victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
VfB Stuttgart took a major step toward the Europa League knockout stage with a commanding 4-1 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Lorenz Assignon (24′), Tiago Tomas (37′), Maximilian Mittelstädt (60′), and Josha Vagnoman (90+4′) all found the back of the net for Stuttgart. Roy Revivo scored the lone goal for Maccabi Tel Aviv (52′). The German side now sits atop their Europa League group with 12 points, needing just one more win to secure advancement. Tel Aviv remains at the bottom of the table with only one point.
Concerns about potential political demonstrations surrounding the match, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, did not materialize. The high-risk match passed without significant incident off the pitch.
The action on the field was far more eventful. Stuttgart controlled possession from the opening whistle, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Maccabi Tel Aviv sat deep, often deploying six players in their own defensive third and a four-man backline. Breaking down such a compact defense proved challenging, and it took Stuttgart nearly 24 minutes to generate their first real opportunity. That chance paid off when Chris Führich cleverly flicked a pass to Maximilian Mittelstädt on the left wing, who delivered a pinpoint cross to a completely unmarked Lorenz Assignon, who volleyed home to make it 1-0.
Stuttgart in Control at Halftime
Führich was again involved in the next dangerous attack. The 27-year-old drove with pace down the left flank, cut inside, and laid the ball off to Deniz Undav, but Maccabi goalkeeper Roi Mishpati made a crucial save at the last moment (34′).
Just moments later, Stuttgart doubled their lead. Atakan Karazor was brought down in the box, and Mittelstädt calmly converted the resulting penalty (37′). The goal was briefly reviewed after a heavy collision between Ramon Hendriks and Saied Abu Farchi in midfield, but the Romanian referee Marian Alexandru Barbu allowed the goal to stand. With Maccabi Tel Aviv offering virtually no attacking threat, Stuttgart entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Brief Scare for Stuttgart
Stuttgart nearly extended their lead immediately after the restart, but Mittelstädt converted a penalty after a foul in the box (50′). However, Maccabi Tel Aviv quickly responded with a goal of their own. A long ball from Itay Ben Hamo exposed the Stuttgart defense, and Roy Revivo capitalized to pull one back (52′). The Stuttgart defense, including Lazar Jovanovic and Alexander Nübel, were caught out of position.
The visitors had another opportunity just minutes later, but Dor Peretz’s shot narrowly missed the target (60′). Stuttgart then regained control, dictating the tempo and forcing Maccabi Tel Aviv to chase the game. A late corner kick resulted in Vagnoman adding a fourth goal for Stuttgart (90+4′).
Next Up: AS Roma
This victory puts VfB Stuttgart in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages of the Europa League. The win solidifies their place among the competition’s top teams. Stuttgart will travel to face AS Roma on January 22, 2026, at 9:00 PM to potentially seal their place in the next round. They will then conclude the group stage at home against PAOK Saloniki on January 29, 2026, at 9:00 PM.
