Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannouss produced a standout performance as VfB Stuttgart secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Köln in their Bundesliga clash on Friday.
Stuttgart, looking to respond after their defeat to Bayern Munich last weekend, dominated large spells of the opening half and created several chances before finally breaking the deadlock.
El Khannouss opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, embarking on a solo run through the Köln defence before his effort took a deflection off Gideon Mensah and found the net.
Köln introduced Mikey Moore and Ellyes Skhiri at half-time in an attempt to turn the game around, but Stuttgart soon regained control.
El Khannouss was again at the centre of the action when his pass released Maximilian Mittelstädt, whose cutback found Grischa Prömel.
The midfielder made no mistake from close range to double Stuttgart’s advantage.
Ermedin Demirović then extended the hosts’ lead with a superb finish after Stuttgart continued to threaten the visitors’ defence.
Köln eventually pulled one back through substitute Marius Bülter, who combined with Moore to score the visitors’ first goal of the night.
However, Stuttgart had the final say as Josha Vagnoman capped an impressive individual display with a volley in the 90th minute to complete the 4-1 win.
The result gives Stuttgart three points from their opening two league matches, while Köln remain on the same tally.
Stuttgart will next face Hoffenheim, with their Champions League campaign also set to begin against Norwegian side Viking.
Köln, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they host Werder Bremen.
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