Stuttgart eliminates Young Boys with late Europa League breakthrough

BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- VfB Stuttgart sealed a 3-2 home victory over Young Boys in the final round of the UEFA Europa League's league phase on Thursday, scoring in the 90th minute to take all three points and end the Swiss side's European campaign.

Stuttgart started strongly and went ahead in the sixth minute. A loose pass in the Young Boys build-up was punished as Jeff Chabot released Lorenz Assignon down the right, and his low delivery found Deniz Undav at the penalty spot, the forward controlling before finishing first time.

The hosts doubled the lead a minute later. Undav turned provider with a through ball for Ermedin Demirovic, who slipped the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Stuttgart continued to threaten and went close to extending the lead before the break. Defender Finn Jeltsch surged forward and hit a long-range shot that goalkeeper Marvin Keller tipped onto the post.

Young Boys pulled one back shortly before half-time. A misplaced pass from goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow fell to Armin Gigovic, who guided a finish into the far corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The visitors kept up the pressure after the interval and were rewarded in the 56th minute. A corner from Edimilson Fernandes was only half cleared, allowing Sandro Lauper to strike a first-time volley from the edge of the area into the top corner to level the scores.

Stuttgart struggled to regain control and a draw looked likely until the 90th minute, when Jamie Leweling's low cross was turned in at the far post by Chema Andres.

"From around the 35th minute we simply did not play well enough. We cannot allow a game like this to become so tense again. In matches like these, we have to deliver a better performance," said Stuttgart captain Undav.

The result leaves Stuttgart 11th with five wins and three losses, setting up a playoff tie against either Celtic or Ludogorets, with the draw to be made on Thursday, while Young Boys finished 25th on goal difference to miss out on the playoff places. ■