El Khannouss shines as Stuttgart see off Köln

VfB Stuttgart showcased their talent as they defeated Köln 4-1 in their opening Bundesliga match. The hosts recovered from a loss to Bayern with a dominant display. Both teams had earned three points after the first two games.

In the early stages, Stuttgart had four clear scoring chances. El Khannouss and Josha Vagnoman, both linked with Premier League moves, nearly joined forces for a goal, but the right-back missed an early chance from almost the goalline. Pejčinović, Dženan, Schwäbe, Deniz Undav, and Grischa Prömel were also denied by the woodwork before the halftime.

El Khannouss scored the opening goal with a brilliant assist. The Moroccan international took on Köln's defense alone before deflecting his shot into the net via Gideon Mensah. The absence of Said El Mala and Thijs Dallinga due to illness weakened Köln's attack.

René Wagner made early half-time changes, bringing on Mikey Moore and Ellyes Skhiri from Tottenham Hotspur. Skhiri missed a crucial close-range chance. Bredlow made a strong save from Moore's attempt.

The game turned after the restart. Tom Krauß hit the sidenetting, and Bredlow saved another close attempt from Moore. El Khannouss scored again, releasing Maximilian Mittelstädt with a key pass. The former Hoffenheim midfielder found the unmarked Promel in the box with a perfect cutback and scored on his debut.

Schwäbe denied Pejčinović and Jeff Chabot, allowing Demirović to score the winning goal. Vagnoman provided a late volley for Köln, but it wasn't enough. Promel and Stuttgart head to Hoffenheim for their Champions League opener, while Köln looks to bounce back against Werder Bremen.