Bundesliga
5:30 p.mFebruary 14, 2026
Regular season – 22
MHPA
Referee: Robert Hartmann, Germany
VfB Stuttgart
1. FC Cologne
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.51
Expected Goals (xG)
1.59
Passing by
403 (85%)
Accurate passes
255 (77%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Marvin Schwabe (C)
6.9
32
d
Christopher Lund
6.9
39
d
Cenk Özkaçar
7.0
6
d
Eric Martel
6.0
2
d
Joel Smith
6.3
28
d
Sebastian Sebulonsen
5.2
M
Jakub Kamiński
90+6′
5
M
Tom Krauss
6.3
29
M
Jan Thielmann
6.9
30
F
Marius Bülter
6.7
Bundesliga classification – Bundesliga
Qualification/Relegation
- Champions League
- UEFA Europa League
- Conference League Standings
- Relegation Playoffs
- descent
Ermedin Demirović’s double gives VfB Stuttgart a 3-1 win at 1. FC Köln.
VfB Stuttgart continued their impressive Bundesliga campaign with a vital 3-1 home win against 1. FC Köln at the MHPArena on 14 February 2026. Striker Ermedin Demirović was the hero, scoring twice to ensure the Swabians took all three points.
Stuttgart, fifth in the league standings, entered the competition looking to consolidate their European aspirations. Their recent form, a mix of wins and losses, hinted at the need for consistency. Köln, sitting 10th, looked to cause an upset and climb into the top half.
The home side quickly gained control, showing their attacking intent from the kick-off. Their strong start paid off in the 15th minute as Josha Leweling made a strong assist, which allowed Ermedin Demirović to guide the ball home to open the scoring.
Stuttgart maintained a high tempo, but the physical nature of the game emerged early. Chris Führich received the first yellow card of the game in the 29th minute for a hard challenge. Despite the booking, Stuttgart looked comfortable heading into the break.
At the break, Stuttgart had a deserved lead, but the narrow margin meant that Köln remained a threat. The visitors needed to find a way to break down Stuttgart’s resolute defence. A tactical change or a moment of individual brilliance was needed.
The second half increased the intensity of both sides. Stuttgart’s Jeff Chabot was booked in the 53rd minute. Demirović then added his name to the yellow card list in the 61st minute for tripping.
Köln introduced fresh legs with substitutions around the 68th minute, including Luca Waldschmidt. His persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute. Waldschmidt turned provider, setting up Ragnar Ache, who slotted home to seal a goal for Köln. This brief moment of hope for Köln was quickly extinguished.
Just five minutes later, in the 84th minute, Demirović struck again. Ramon Hendriks made a clever pass and Demirović finished clinically to complete his brace. In stoppage time, at minute 90+2, Deniz Undav crowned the victory with an assist from Angelo Stiller to make it 3-1. Jakub Kamiński received a yellow card for Köln in the 90+6th minute.
Stuttgart’s dominance was reflected in the stats, with an expected goals (xG) of 2.51 compared to Köln’s 1.59. The home team had 13 shots in total, with four on target, and had 58% of the ball. Köln managed 10 shots, with three on target.
This crucial victory consolidates VfB Stuttgart in the top five of the Bundesliga. They continue their push for European qualification, while the 1. FC Köln remain in a tight mid-table battle, needing to find more consistency in the coming games.
