Gomez saves the day for Stuttgart

A late goal from Gomez earned VfB Stuttgart a spot in the UEFA Cup group phase, at the expense of Bulgarian side PFC Cherno More Varna.

The first leg, in Bulgaria two weeks ago ended in a 2-1 win to the Germans. Many expected the return leg to be no more than a formality.

But Yurukov put the visitors in the lead and Rusev even doubled that advantage in the 79th minute.

Thomas Hitzlspergers’ goal in the 82nd minute levelled the aggregate score, and extra time would be needed if no more goals were to be scored before the end of regular time.

But Stuttgart had one last weapon as Mario Gomez netted for 2-2 in the 90th minute, helping his side to a 4-3 aggregate win and a spot in the next round.