RB Leipzig returned to second place in the Bundesliga after a 3–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart, with Yan Diomande playing a starring role by contributing to goals on either side of half-time. The result marked Leipzig’s fourth win in five home matches and extended their impressive early-season form.

Both teams entered the contest in strong shape — Leipzig unbeaten in eight games and Stuttgart riding a six-match domestic winning streak — and the opening stages reflected that balance. Within the first three minutes, David Raum tested Alexander Nübel with a fierce drive, before Deniz Undav glanced a header narrowly wide at the other end.

The tempo remained high, and Peter Gulácsi was called into action midway through the half, pulling off a stunning save to tip Maximilian Mittelstädt’s curling strike over the bar.

Just when the first half seemed destined to finish goalless, Leipzig struck in the 44th minute through a stroke of good fortune. Diomande, given acres of space on the right flank, whipped in a low cross that deflected off Jeff Chabot and into the Stuttgart net to hand the hosts a timely lead.

Buoyed by that breakthrough, Leipzig started the second half with renewed energy and doubled their advantage eight minutes after the restart. Once again, Diomande was the difference — cutting inside from the right before firing past Nübel at his near post with precision and power.

Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß responded with a double substitution, and his decision paid off when substitute Tiago Tomás halved the deficit in the 63rd minute. The Portuguese forward beat the offside trap, rounded Gulácsi, and coolly slotted home his third Bundesliga goal of the campaign.

However, Stuttgart were unable to sustain their momentum, registering just one shot on target after their goal. Leipzig’s defense stood firm, and in stoppage time, Die Roten Bullen sealed all three points with a third goal to cap off a professional display.

The defeat was Stuttgart’s first in the league since September, while Leipzig’s third consecutive Bundesliga win keeps them just two points behind leaders Bayern Munich.