Stuttgart 1-2 Bayern Munich: The visitors hold on for a valuable win and return to the top of the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over Stuttgart thanks to goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Choupo-Moting.

De Ligt pounced on the game’s opening goal from distance on the weak wrists of goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, who should have done better. Just a minute earlier, De Ligt had cleared his own line.

Choupo-Moting doubled their advantage in the second half by completing a fine team move with Thomas Muller playing on. Choupo-Moting signed a new Bayern contract yesterday.

Stuttgart looked beaten but scored late on when Juan Jose Perea nodded in a superb cross.

Sadio Mane was a second-half substitute as he continued his return from injury, while Bayern were able to rest several front-line players for the final 30 minutes as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The win brings Bayern level on points with Borussia Dortmund, but at the top on goal difference.

YOU SPOKE – Bayern back to the top

After Dortmund’s win yesterday, it was important for Bayern to respond, and they did just that in uncomfortable surroundings. Because they lasted until the end, this is a classic hallmark of the Masters – not the best, but good enough to get the job done. Dortmund may have the pace, but Bayern have the experience of winning this league 10 seasons in a row, and they also have great strength in depth, as Mane, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry bring together tonight. They remain favorites for the title.

I WAS A PLAYER – Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)

In the decisive three minutes of the game, De Ligt made a save and then scored. Bayern’s defense rarely looked unsettled, but when it did, he was often there to sweep.

PLAYER RATINGS

StuttgartBredlow 4, Anton 5, Mavropanos 7, Zagadou 6, Ito 6, Endo 6, Karazor 5, Haraguchi 5, Dias 5, Fuhrich 5, Silas 6. Subs: Coulibaly 6, Thomas 5, Perea 6, Nartey n/a, Millot as.

Bayern Munich: Sommer 6, Stanisic 6, Upamecano 7, De Ligt 8, Davies 7, Goretzka 6, Kimmich 6, Coman 6, Muller 7, Musiala 7, Choupo-Moting 7. Subs: Mane 5, Gnabry 6, Sane 5, Pavard n /a, Gravenberch n/a.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

IT HAS BEEN SENT 17′ – Stuttgart’s left-back is given time on the ball and lines up a long-range shot, hitting the ball cleanly and it pops narrowly wide.

GORETZKA BANNED 22′ – Goretzka takes a free kick, six yards out, but sends the ball in Bredlow’s direction and the keeper makes a great reflex save.

OFF THE LINE 37′ – Mavropanos hits Sommer in the air and is saved by de Ligt, who hooks off the line. A clean header and Mavropanos would have scored.

DE LIGT SCORE 39′ – Bayern leads from scratch! De Ligt cuts onto his right foot and fires home from 30 yards, beating Bredlow who should have done much better.

BAYERN DOUBLE LEAD 62′ – Choupo-Moting scores a wonderful team goal! Musiala turns, lunges forward and finds Muller, who throws the ball into the path of Chuopo-Moting, who in turn pounces home.

STUTTGART GUARANTEE A GOAL – 88′ Seemingly out of nowhere, Perea heads home with a brilliant cross.

KEY STAT

Bayern have scored 100 away goals against Stuttgart and are the first team ever to achieve this mark against Bundesliga opposition.