Leon Goretzka sparks Bayern's thrilling comeback over Stuttgart

The victory, which marked their 125th anniversary, showcased their resilience, with head coach Vincent Kompany lauding the performance as "a real German top match."

The visitors found themselves trailing early after a lively Stuttgart side took the lead through Angelo Stiller. The midfielder rifled a left-footed strike into the top corner following a clever move involving Josha Vagnoman.

Bayern struggled to find their footing in the opening 30 minutes, with Kompany admitting Stuttgart had the upper hand. "It's never easy away at Stuttgart. I've never won here as a player, but I enjoyed this victory because they were better at the start," he said in the post-match press conference.

However, Bayern clawed their way back just before halftime. Leroy Sane's precise pass found Michael Olise, who coolly slotted home to level the score. "As a group, we needed time to find our rhythm. After that, the players stepped up and won crucial duels," Kompany added.

The second half saw Bayern seize control. In the 64th minute, Leon Goretzka pounced on a defensive lapse, intercepting a sloppy pass from Stiller and firing past Stuttgart keeper Alexander Nubel to give Bayern the lead. The knockout blow arrived late when Vagnoman's wayward backpass was intercepted by Kingsley Coman, who rounded Nubel and blasted into an empty net from distance.

The result stretched Bayern's lead to 11 points over Bayer Leverkusen, with 61 points from 24 matches, despite having played one game more. It's a tally that places them among the most prolific Bundesliga sides after this stage in history, with their attack and newfound defensive steel proving a potent mix under Kompany's guidance.

Reflecting on a gruelling schedule of three matches in six days, Kompany brushed off fatigue concerns. "You have to stay calm and prepare for the next game. That's what the team have done and will keep doing. It's how I've approached my career, and that won't change," he said.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, slumped to a third consecutive home defeat - a slump unseen since February 2022. Despite their early promise, including Deniz Undav striking the post, they couldn't sustain their momentum. Last season's triumph over Bayern had propelled them to a higher finish, but this time, the Bavarians had the last word.

A recent X update from Bayern Munich hailed the win, with the club posting: "125 years of Bayern, celebrated with a comeback in Stuttgart! Onward and upward."

Goretzka also took to X, saying: "Big team effort tonight - proud to turn it around and get the three points."

For Kompany and Bayern, this victory was more than just a win - it was a statement of intent.

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