BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - JANUARY 21: Jeff Chabot, Anthony Rouault and Josha Vagnoman celebrate Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart (not pictured) second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SK Slovan Bratislava and VfB Stuttgart at on January 21, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
Stuttgart maintained their winning start to their Champions League campaign as they overpowered Slovan Bratislava.
Denis Undav gave the Germans a 29th-minute lead with a low shot across home goalkeeper Dominik Takac, and Josha Vagnoman almost made it 2-0, but hit the crossbar.
Sandro Cruz hit the woodwork in the second half for the Slovakians with a powerful strike just after the hour mark, but then three minutes later steered the ball into his own net to double Stuttgart's advantage.
The hosts only recorded one shot on target and Stuttgart grabbed their third goal in the 90th minute with substitute Ermedin Demirovic scoring with a close-range header from Lorenz Assignon's excellent cross from the right wing.
Stuttgart defeated Norwegian side Viking 3-1 on matchday one and are one of nine sides to have won their opening two matches of the league phase in 2026-27.
Meanwhile, Slovan Bratislava, managed by former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, are bottom of the 36-team league with two losses from two games after they began with a 6-1 thumping at European champions Paris St-Germain.
Slovan Bratislava play at Roma next Tuesday on matchday three with Stuttgart at home to Atletico Madrid.