Deniz Undav delivers again as Stuttgart edge Leipzig battle

Undav's goal settled a tense encounter and highlighted Stuttgart's aggressive pressing game, which ultimately forced the mistake that led to the decisive moment.

"The win was very important for us," Undav said after the match. "Leipzig are a great team, really good, but today we were a tick better."

Stuttgart's organisation and intensity proved crucial throughout the contest. Undav praised the collective effort from his teammates, pointing to the way the side executed their pressing strategy against one of the Bundesliga's strongest teams.

"Everyone was where they needed to be," he explained. "The goal helped, and the atmosphere helped as well."

The striker also enjoyed the physical battle with Leipzig's experienced defenders, including captain Willi Orban.

"I really enjoy duels with defenders like Willi Orban," Undav said. "And their goalkeeper also made several world-class saves."

The decisive goal came after Stuttgart forced Leipzig into a costly error deep in their own half. Undav revealed how quickly the move unfolded once the mistake was spotted.

"Chris recognised the Leipzig mistake brilliantly, saw me and passed the ball," Undav said, referring to teammate Chris Fuhrich. "In that moment I immediately had a good feeling about the goal."

He added that Stuttgart's pressing approach had been designed to create exactly that kind of opportunity.

"We forced scenes like that several times with our pressing," he said. "This time it worked perfectly."

When the ball arrived at his feet, Undav trusted the instincts that have made him one of Stuttgart's most dangerous attacking players this season.

"I've been a striker my whole life. I'm often in situations like today," he said. "I can feel that goalkeepers often speculate - and today was no different."

Undav's strong form has inevitably sparked speculation about a potential call-up to the German national team under coach Julian Nagelsmann. Asked whether he had already spoken to the Germany boss, the forward offered a playful response.

"Julian Nagelsmann is saved in my phone as Julian Nagelsmann," Undav said with a smile. "Whether we've already been in contact or not - I won't say."

He added: "The Germany squad will be announced on Thursday, then we'll see."

For now, Undav's focus remains firmly on Stuttgart. But if his current form continues, Bundesliga defenders may find themselves facing the same difficult challenge Leipzig experienced.

Stuttgart's 1-0 win over RB Leipzig was a massive six-pointer that broke their tie in the standings, moving Stuttgart into 4th place with 50 points. This result gives Stuttgart a three-point cushion in the final Champions League qualification spot, leaving Leipzig in 5th and vulnerable to teams chasing from below.

While Stuttgart is now level on points with 3rd-placed Hoffenheim, Leipzig's loss ends their recent momentum and forces them to play catch-up with only eight games remaining in the season.

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