Götze strikes as Frankfurt edge past Stuttgart | OneFootball

Mario Götze goal gives Eintracht Frankfurt edge over 10-man VfB Stuttgart

Eintracht Frankfurt boosted their hopes of a top-four finish on Matchday 27 as Mario Götze's goal was enough for a 1-0 win over ten-man VfB Stuttgart.

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Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 VfB Stuttgart Goals: 1-0 Götze 71'Red card: Al-Dakhil (58')

Frankfurt secured a 1-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart at Deutsche Bank Park, strengthening their hopes of European qualification. The match was a tightly contested affair until a red card for Stuttgart's Ameen Al-Dakhil changed the complexion of the game. After much pressure, Götze ultimately proved the difference, scoring the only goal of the match in the 71st minute.

Robin Koch challenges Nick Woltemade in what was a frantic game. (IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Hahne)

Stuttgart start strong

Stuttgart began the match with intent, dominating possession and creating early chances. Jamie Leweling forced a save from Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos in the opening minutes, while Enzo Millot narrowly missed the target shortly after. However, the hosts gradually grew into the game, with Ansgar Knauff coming close to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied by a last-ditch clearance from Maximilian Mittelstädt.

Knauff left the pitch injured shortly after his chance. (IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images)

Red card drama

The game's turning point came in the 58th minute when Stuttgart's Al-Dakhil received a straight red card for pulling down Hugo Ekitiké as the last man. This dismissal shifted the momentum firmly in Frankfurt's favour, allowing them to exert more pressure on the visitors' goal.

Referee Deniz Aytekin shows a red card to Ameen Al-Dakhil. (IMAGO/Fotostand / Racocha)

Götze breaks the deadlock

The numerical advantage paid off for Frankfurt in the 71st minute. A shot from Hugo Larsson was tipped onto the post by Alexander Nübel, but Götze was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to give the hosts the lead. The goal was a just reward for Frankfurt's increased attacking impetus following the red card.

Götze's goal sends Frankfurt third. (IMAGO/Jan Huebner)

Stuttgart's resilience and Frankfurt's near misses

Despite being a man down, Stuttgart showed commendable resilience in the closing stages. Substitute Deniz Undav came close to equalising, but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Arthur Theate. Frankfurt had opportunities to extend their lead. In stoppage time, Collins twice came close to doubling their advantage, but in the end, Frankfurt had to settle for a narrow 1-0 victory.

Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké

Ekitiké was a constant thorn in Stuttgart's side throughout the match. The French forward's pace and movement caused numerous problems for the visitors' defence, culminating in the red card incident that changed the game. Ekitiké had several chances of his own, hitting the post once and forcing saves from Nübel. His ability to stretch the back line and create space for his teammates was crucial in Frankfurt's victory, even if he didn't get on the scoresheet himself.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Frankfurt 3.74 - Stuttgart 0.8Fastest player: Ramon Hendriks (Stuttgart), 34.03 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Mario Götze (Frankfurt), 82 percentMost pressed player: Mario Götze (Frankfurt), 26 times under pressurePass efficiency: Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), +3.68

Fantasy Heroes: Mario Götze (Frankfurt, 317 Points), Nnamdi Collins (Frankfurt, 253 Points), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt, 212 Points)

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