Stuttgart remain on EL top-eight course with 4-1 over Tel Aviv

VfB Stuttgart defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-1 on Thursday to keep alive their chances of direct qualification for the round of 16 in the Europa League.

The German Cup winners led from Lorenz Assignon's 24th minute volley at the far post, and Tiago Tomas fired the second in off the crossbar in the 37th when Deniz Undaz unselfishly squared for his team-mate.

Stuttgart had a potential penalty denied upon review shortly before the break but they got a spot kick five minutes after the restart over a Heitor handball which Maximilian Mittelstädt duly converted for 3-0.

But the hosts got derailed when Maccabi hit back in the 52nd from Roy Revivo, with Stuttgart's defence and goalkeeper Alexander Nübel not looking good.

Dor Peretz aimed inches left on another big chance for the visitors, and Nübel had to be on his guard with his foot against an attempt from Revivo as Maccabi continued to threaten.

Stuttgart eventually weathered the storm and wrapped up matters in the fourth minute of stoppage time from Josha Vagnoman.

"We achieved what we set out to do – and we're happy to have secured the three points. Overall, we put in a very clear and serious performance," Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness said.

"We can be very satisfied with the first half; we were active and had the right attitude on the pitch, and the score could have been higher at half-time. After conceding the goal, we had a phase in which we lacked a bit of consistency."

Stuttgart improved to 12 points from six of eight games, keeping their chances intact of a top eight finish and direct entry into the last 16 instead of a play-off detour. Lowly Maccabi remain on one point.

The match was held under strict security measures to prevent potentially violent pro-Palestinian protests in connection with the Gaza war. Police said there were no incidents before or during the match.