Young Boys coach Vladimir Petkovic was delighted with his side's performance against Stuttgart last night as a 4-2 win saw them reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League along with their opponents.

Three goals in the space of four second-half minutes turned the game around in the Swiss side's favour to take them through to the last-32 as group runners-up. And Petkovic felt he had seen some of his side's best football of the season.

"The fans got to see a good and attractive game which we dominated for around 75 per cent," he said. "That was one of our best performances this season, comparable with our 3-2 win over Tottenham in the Champions League qualifiers."

That was one of our best performances this season, comparable with our 3-2 win over Tottenham in the Champions League qualifiers.
Vladimir Petkovic, Young Boys coach

Stuttgart coach Jens Keller saw things differently, though. "What happened in the first half had absolutely nothing to do with football," he said.

He was, however, referring to the wintry conditions which saw the game temporarily halted midway through the first and second half as the snow persisted.

The lines had to be cleared of snow to let the game recommence and the second halt in play seemed to knock the Swabians out of their rhythm.

"We had a blackout for five minutes after leading 2-1 and that has cost us victory," Keller added.

Nevertheless, Stuttgart still secured the group victory by virtue of their superior head-to-head record with the Swiss and they can now look forward to playing the second leg of their first knockout stage match at home.