Havelse 2–3 VfB Stuttgart II | German 3.Liga

VfB Stuttgart II edged a dramatic German 3.Liga contest away to Havelse on Friday night, emerging with a thrilling 3–2 victory after a back-and-forth encounter in northern Germany. The young Stuttgart side showed quality and resilience, twice pegging Havelse back before scoring a late winner to take all three points. The result kept the second-string Swabians near the top of the third-tier table and offered another glimpse of the club’s rich academy talent.

Match overview

The match at the Wilhelm-Langrehr-Stadion was open and energetic from the first minute. Havelse, eager to make home advantage count, pressed high and created a number of early chances. Stuttgart II, packed with technically gifted youngsters, responded with swift counter-attacks. The teams matched each other in intensity and the lead changed hands twice before the closing stages produced a decisive moment.

First half goals

Havelse took the lead in the 19th minute when striker Luca Hoffmann turned in a cross at the far post after a fluid team move. Stuttgart II’s restored balance just before the half-hour mark through midfield prospect Emil Vauthier, who slotted home from a central position following a precise through-ball. Both teams created further openings in the remainder of the half, but the goalkeepers remained alert and the teams headed into the break level at 1–1.

Second half drama

The visitors pushed into the lead early in the second half when forward Enes Kocak swept home a rebound after Havelse’s keeper had saved a low drive. Havelse responded well to the setback and were rewarded in the 71st minute when midfielder Elias Mertens rose highest from a corner to make it 2–2. Just as the match appeared destined for a share of the points, Stuttgart II produced one final moment of quality. In the 84th minute, substitute Jannik Buob cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling effort that flew beyond the Havelse keeper and into the top corner.

Standout players

• Jannik Buob (Stuttgart II): Delivered the decisive late goal and was a constant threat when introduced.
• Enes Kocak (Stuttgart II): His powerful running and sharp finishing made him a handful for the Havelse defence.
• Elias Mertens (Havelse): Scored the equaliser and worked relentlessly in midfield for the home side.

League context and impact

VfB Stuttgart II remain one of the more entertaining sides in the German 3.Liga, mixing youthful energy with technical control. The win strengthens their position in the upper reaches of the standings, while Havelse sit in mid-table with plenty of positives in a competitive division. The result also underlined the depth of Stuttgart’s youth system – a key storyline all season.