Honours even as Stuttgart and Werder forced to settle for a draw

The hosts emerged with renewed intensity after the break, clearly spurred on by Sebastian Hoeneß’s team talk. Their pressure paid off in the 61st minute, as substitute Demirović made an instant impact. Angelo Stiller fed El Khannouss on the left, whose lofted cross was met by the Bosnian striker, heading home from close range.

Despite Stuttgart’s growing momentum, Bremen remained dangerous on the counter. In the 71st minute, Maximilian Mittelstädt failed to deal with a delivery into the box, allowing the ball to reach Stage at the back post. However, the midfielder couldn’t make clean contact, and Nübel gathered comfortably.

Stuttgart pushed for a winner late on and came close with nine minutes remaining. From a well-placed free-kick, Badredine Bouanani forced another excellent save from Backhaus, who continued to impress between the posts.

Both sides committed men forward in the closing stages, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough. After four minutes of added time, the referee brought proceedings to a close with the score level at 1-1.

The result sees Stuttgart extend their winless run to two league matches, though they move back into fourth place on goal difference ahead of Hoffenheim. Bremen, meanwhile, make it two games unbeaten and edge six points clear of the relegation play-off spot with three matches remaining.