VfB Stuttgart claimed a 2-0 win over Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord in their UEFA Europa League match, thanks to late goals from Bilal El Khannouss and Deniz Undav.
Both teams came in with one win and two losses from three group games, making a victory essential to boost their chances in the tournament.
Each side also faced the pressure of needing six wins from their last eight matches to stay in contention.
The first half was largely uneventful. Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa had the closest attempt in the 13th minute, but Alexander Nubel denied him.
Stuttgart struggled to make an impact, while Feyenoord created chances through Ayase Ueda.
The home side grew more threatening after the 69th minute when Deniz Undav tested Timon Wellenreuther.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute as Bilal El Khannouss headed home a perfect cross from Lorenz Assignon.
In stoppage time, Stuttgart sealed the win. Christian Fuhrich set up Undav, who tapped in to secure all three points.
The victory moved Stuttgart up 10 places to 20th in the Europa League standings with six points from four games.
Feyenoord remain in the elimination zone and will look to recover against Celtic in Rotterdam on November 27.
