by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The party in the Stuttgart Arena didn't seem to end.

Most of the 60,000-crowd stayed for long after the 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt that all-but secured their place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Enthusiastic chants filled the air with fans singing: "After all the rubbish, we now travel, Stuttgart goes international."

While Stuttgart in previous seasons only narrowly escaped relegation, supporters are enjoying the unexpected upswing. At the center of attention are Serhou Guirassy and Brighton loanee Deniz Undav, who have become one of European football's most successful strike partnerships.

Both scored again against Eintracht and have combined for 41 goals this season. The club-record-number of 25 goals in just 23 games illuminates Guirassy's account while Undav has 16 goals and nine assists.

In world football, only Al-Nassr's strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Talisca in the Saudi Pro League have scored more, with 45 goals, along with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala on 42.

As much as the club's future seems bright, it remains uncertain if the strikers will stay for the upcoming season.

Guirassy's contract contains a release clause worth a reported 20 million euros, and Undav remains under contract with Brighton, whose coach Roberto de Zerbi recently spoke about the intention to take the striker back.

AC Milan are also said to be interested, along with several other clubs.

"We see what happens. I am happy here as I receive appreciation but there might be a long summer ahead," the Turkish-rooted German international said.

Guirassy, who is happy with the club, said that no one can talk about the future.

Stuttgart's sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth is hoping "a possible Champions League qualification is making him stay", while coach Sebastian Hoeness praised the striker's qualities.

"We are in danger of running out of superlatives in his case. He is a complete striker at the highest level," said the nephew of Bayern board member Uli Hoeness. "We want to keep him, but we see what happens. Now I am just happy he is here."

The Stuttgart coach spoke about Guirassy's contribution to making Stuttgart head for the Champions League. "But there are five games to go and it's a fact that you need more points than ever to stay among the first four," Hoeness said.

Next to Bayern (63 points) and Stuttgart (63), Leipzig and Dortmund (both 56) are battling it out over the remaining Champions League spots behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

"We have been doing good with always only facing the next game; that took us to where we are, so I see no reason to change," Hoeness said after the side's 20th win this season. Enditem

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