VfB Stuttgart is in high spirits after a significant 3-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, a result that significantly bolsters their chances of qualifying for the Champions League in the 2025/26 season.
The key to this crucial home win on matchday 33 was the impressive performance of striker Deniz Undav, who not only scored but also reached a new personal milestone.
Undav netted the decisive third goal against Leverkusen, marking his 19th strike of the season and surpassing his previous best from the 2023/24 runner-up season with the Swabians.
«I’ve set a new record now. 19 goals. I’m naturally happy. It would be great if I could break the 20-goal mark next week,» Undav commented to DAZN. «I’ll give it my all for that, because we need to win to participate in the Champions League.»
However, Undav emphasized that his primary focus remains on the team’s success. He stated that if they manage to secure a spot in the Champions League, the 20-goal milestone would become «irrelevant.»
The Race for the Fourth Champions League Spot: Hoffenheim and Bayer Chase Stuttgart
With only the 34th and final matchday remaining this coming Saturday, Stuttgart, TSG Hoffenheim, and Bayer Leverkusen are engaged in a tight three-way battle for fourth place. The other Champions League positions are already secured by champions Bayern Munich, vice-champions Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
Stuttgart (61 points, +21 goal difference) will play their final match away against Eintracht Frankfurt. TSG Hoffenheim (61 points, +17 goal difference) faces Borussia Mönchengladbach on the road. The «outsiders» Leverkusen (58 points, +22 goal difference) will host Hamburger SV.
Undav on His Celebration: «I’m Labeled a Commander Like Mbappé»
Undav not only made headlines with his goal but also with his distinctive celebration, where he appeared to be energetically chiding his strike partner Ermedin Demirovic with an upraised index finger.
«I’m being labeled a commander like Mbappé in all these memes,» Undav explained. «And two or three weeks ago, we agreed that I would do this celebration when I score again.»
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé is frequently depicted in social media memes wearing a military uniform, and his immense influence in football is often humorously referred to by calling him a commander or dictator.
Deniz Undav at VfB Stuttgart: His Season Statistics
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 30 | 18 | 10 |
| 2024/25 | 27 | 9 | 3 |
| 2025/26 | 28 | 19 | 5 |