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Dan‑Axel Zagadou Shines on Bundesliga Comeback as Stuttgart Beat Mainz

Sebastian Hoeneß paired sweeping rotation with cautious in‑game management following a late calf scare.

Overview

  • Zagadou started centrally in a back three for his first Bundesliga minutes in about 13 months, helping Stuttgart see off Mainz 05, 2–1.
  • He was part of a major rotation, with roughly ten outfield changes from the Europa League defeat at Fenerbahçe, as Hoeneß spread minutes across the squad.
  • The 26‑year‑old delivered strong metrics with about 65% duels won, 83% success in the air and an 88% pass rate, plus multiple efforts on goal.
  • He left around a quarter‑hour from time after a challenge with Armindo Sieb and holding his calves, with Hoeneß later saying he was tired rather than injured.
  • The return followed a long rehab from a cruciate and later external knee ligament injury, match practice with the 3. Liga side, and a first‑team cup cameo in which he missed a shootout penalty.