When we focus on the weakness of tanks in urban terrain, we are pointing out the yang, and maybe not seeing the yin. Tanks totally dominate open areas. So the weaker party must focus his operations in urban or otherwise restrictive terrain. Space denial is itself a major advantage, even if no combat takes place in that space.

Regarding Stalingrad. Armor played a major role insofar as the Germans crossed the Ukrainian countryside with little difficulty getting too Stalingrad. Russian armor was instrumental in closing the pocket and eventually bagged the German III army.