Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen

VfB Stuttgart had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen at the MHPArena on matchday 31 — a frustrating outcome for the hosts who dominated throughout but couldn't turn clear superiority into a winner. Jens Stage gave the visitors an early lead in the 18th minute, finishing coolly from 15 metres after a neat one-two with Yukinari Sugawara. Stuttgart equalised just after the hour when Ermedin Demirovic headed home a pinpoint cross from Bilal El Khannouss (61'). Bremen goalkeeper Markus Backhaus earned a yellow card in the 78th minute for time-wasting as the visitors dug deep to protect their point. The draw keeps Stuttgart fourth but stings in the Champions League race — they racked up 20 shots and 68% possession yet couldn't make it count. Werder Bremen, now 12th and five points clear of the drop zone, will bank this hard-earned away point without complaint.