VfB Stuttgart returned to winning ways with a crucial 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten St. Pauli, earning just their second win of the season and bringing much-needed momentum back to the DFB-Pokal holders.

The star of the night was undoubtedly Ermedin Demirović, who wore the captain's armband and delivered a match-winning performance. The Bosnian striker opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, just moments after Stiller had missed a penalty, and later assisted Hannus for Stuttgart’s second goal shortly after the restart.

Demirović could have had a hat-trick, but two of his goals were ruled out for offside. Still, his decisive contribution proved vital in what was a fast-paced, high-energy contest.

2025-26, Germany - Bundesliga

VfB Stuttgart - St. Pauli 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Demirovic, 43 (1:0); El Khannouss, 50 (2:0)

VfB Stuttgart: Nübel; Mittelstädt; Assignon; Chabot; Jeltsch; Stiller; Leweling; Andres; El Khannouss; Tomas T. (Führich, 73); Demirovic
Substitution: Führich (from 73)
Bench: Drljaca; Al Dakhil; Hendriks R.; Vagnoman; Stenzel; Karazor; Nartey; Bouanani

St. Pauli: Vasilj N.; Saliakas; Wahl; Oppie; Dźwigała; Smith E.; Fujita; Sands; Sinani (Metcalfe, 74); Pereira Lage (Kaars, 62); Hountondji (Afoloyan, 62)
Substitution: Afoloyan (from 62); Kaars (from 62); Metcalfe (from 74)
Bench: Voll B.; Pyrka; Ritzka; Robatsch; Ahlstrand; Schmidt N.
Yellow Cards: Sands 40; Afoloyan 67