VfB Stuttgart 2-1 Celta de Vigo Player Ratings: Angelo Stiller 9/10 Rated as Stuttgart Edge Out Celta in a 2-1 Thriller

VfB Stuttgart managed to grab a 2-1 victory over Celta de Vigo, but they were made to sweat for it right until the final whistle. The first half was a cagey, goalless affair, with both teams sizing each other up. The home side looked the more likely to score, creating a flurry of chances just before the break.

The second half exploded into life. Alexander Nübel, of all people, provided a stunning assist for Badredine Bouanani to open the scoring. Then Bilal El Khannouss doubled the lead with a superb strike, and it felt like game over. But Celta didn't give up, and a late goal from substitute Borja Iglesias set up a grandstand finish in this Europa League encounter.

What stood out to us was the midfield dominance from Stuttgart, orchestrated by the magnificent Angelo Stiller. He was simply on another level. This match was a classic example of taking your chances, and while Stuttgart were wasteful at times, they did just enough to secure the three points. Here are the VfB Stuttgart vs Celta de Vigo player ratings.

Celta de Vigo Player Ratings vs VfB Stuttgart

Here are the Celta de Vigo player ratings vs VfB Stuttgart.

Goalkeeper

Ionuț Radu - 6.5: He made four saves and a couple of them were top-notch, especially the one to deny Lorenz Assignon. We felt he couldn't do much for either of the goals conceded. His distribution was a bit hit-and-miss, often putting his team under pressure. A decent performance under difficult circumstances.

Defenders

Carl Starfelt - 6.5: This man was a clearance machine, booting the ball away 16 times. He was solid in his duels for the most part. It’s hard to fault him individually, but he was part of a backline that ultimately conceded two goals and looked stretched. A busy and battling display.

Marcos Alonso - 6.5: A very tidy and experienced performance from Alonso. He was composed in possession and won the majority of his duels. We noticed he was a calm head in a defense under pressure. He didn’t offer a huge amount going forward but he did his defensive duties well.

Javi Rodríguez - 6.0: It was a mixed bag for Rodríguez. From our perspective, he seemed to be in the thick of the action, making some important blocks and clearances. However, he also lost a fair few duels and looked a step behind at times. An inconsistent outing.

Midfielders

Óscar Mingueza - 7.0: A really combative and energetic performance. He won a remarkable number of tackles and duels, throwing himself into challenges all over the pitch. The only downside was that he was dribbled past a few times, but his commitment was undeniable. One of Celta's better players on the night.

Ilaix Moriba - 7.5: He was the creative force for Celta, providing a lovely assist for their late goal. He created a few other chances too, always looking to make something happen. What stood out was his desire to drive forward, though he did lose the ball a bit too often for our liking and got a needless late card.

Fran Beltrán - 6.5: Incredibly neat and tidy in the middle of the park. His pass accuracy was almost perfect, keeping things ticking over for his team. He recovered the ball well but we felt he was a bit too safe at times. A solid, if unspectacular, performance before being subbed.

J. El Abdellaoui - 5.5: Really struggled to make any sort of impact on the game. He was on the pitch for an hour but it felt like the match passed him by. He lost possession far too easily and offered little protection or attacking threat. A disappointing display.

Forwards

Ferran Jutglà - 5.0: A really tough night for the forward. He barely had a sniff and was taken off early in the second half. He lost almost every duel he competed in and looked isolated up front. It was a performance to forget for him, he just couldn't get involved.

Iago Aspas - 5.5: From the captain, we expected so much more. He was strangely quiet and couldn't impose his quality on the game. Substituted after an hour, which tells its own story. He had one shot off target and that was about it. A very subdued performance by his high standards.

Pablo Durán - 6.0: He showed plenty of effort and running but lacked any real cutting edge. He got into some decent areas but the final ball or shot wasn't there. We can't fault his work rate, but Celta needed more quality in the final third.

Substitutes

Borja Iglesias - 7.0: Made a significant impact, scoring a great goal to give his team hope. He looked far more threatening than the man he replaced.

Bryan Zaragoza - 6.0: Added some energy but couldn't find a decisive moment.

Williot Swedberg - 5.5: Got booked almost immediately after coming on and didn't contribute much else.

Javi Rueda - 6.0: Slotted in and did a steady job.

Hugo Sotelo - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Manager

C. Giráldez González - 6.0: His team was second-best for large periods and the initial setup seemed unable to cope with Stuttgart's midfield press. The substitutions were positive and nearly sparked a comeback. However, it felt like a case of too little, too late.

VfB Stuttgart Player Ratings vs Celta de Vigo

Here are the VfB Stuttgart player ratings vs Celta de Vigo.

Goalkeeper

Alexander Nübel - 7.0: What an eventful game! To get an assist as a goalkeeper is incredible, and it was a brilliant pass for the opening goal. However, he also made an error that led to a shot, which could have been costly. He conceded one, but his attacking contribution was a massive, unexpected bonus.

Defenders

Ramon Hendriks - 7.0: A very composed and solid performance at the back. His passing was crisp and accurate, helping Stuttgart build from the back. He made several important tackles and interceptions, looking comfortable all evening. A really reliable display.

Maximilian Mittelstädt - 7.5: He was a constant outlet on the left flank, bombing forward at every opportunity. Defensively, he was solid, winning his tackles and recovering the ball effectively. He was involved in so much of Stuttgart's good play. An excellent all-round wing-back performance.

Lorenz Assignon - 6.5: A bit of a mixed performance from our perspective. He was a real threat going forward and created a big chance. However, he lost more duels than he won and picked up a silly yellow card. An exciting player to watch, but a little reckless at times.

Finn Jeltsch - 6.5: It was a real shame to see him go off injured after just 25 minutes. In his short time on the pitch, he looked fantastic, not misplacing a single pass and winning his duels. He was on for a great game before his unfortunate injury.

Midfielders

Angelo Stiller - 9.0: Simply sensational. This was his game. He ran the show from start to finish, creating a staggering six chances and grabbing an assist. His vision, range of passing, and control of the tempo were on another level. Without a doubt, the highest-rated player and our man of the match.

Bilal El Khannouss - 8.0: Scored a crucial second goal with a brilliant strike from distance. He was a livewire in attack, constantly looking to shoot or create. His energy and directness were a nightmare for the Celta defence. A fantastic, goal-scoring contribution.

Jamie Leweling - 6.0: A frustrating player to watch. He got into so many good positions but was incredibly wasteful, missing a big chance and firing shots off target. His work rate was high, but for a player with five shots, he really should have done better. Lacked composure.

Badredine Bouanani - 7.5: Scored the vital opening goal and was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch. He linked up play well and looked dangerous every time he got on the ball. A great performance capped off with a goal.

Chema Andrés - 7.0: A really solid and disciplined performance in the heart of midfield. He kept possession well and was strong in his defensive duties, recovering the ball effectively. He provided the platform for the more attacking players to shine before he was substituted.

Forwards

Ermedin Demirovic - 6.0: The captain led the line with his usual effort but it was a frustrating evening for him. He was well-marshalled by the Celta defence and lost a lot of his physical battles. He picked up a booking and never really got a clear sight of goal.

Substitutes

Luca Jaquez - 6.5: Came on early for the injured Jeltsch and did a solid job. Didn't put a foot wrong.

Atakan Karazor - 6.0: Brought on to add some defensive steel to the midfield and helped see the game out.

Tiago Tomás - 6.0: Had a late shot blocked but didn't have much time to influence the game.

Josha Vagnoman - N/A: On for the final minutes.

Chris Führich - N/A: A late cameo.

Manager

S. Hoeneß - 7.5: His game plan worked perfectly. His team dominated the midfield and created a host of chances. The decision to play with such an aggressive, attacking style paid off with two goals. He managed the game well, and his side were deserved winners despite a nervy finish.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Angelo Stiller