The crowd at the MHPArena witnessed a defensive-minded visiting team in the first half, with VfB struggling to break them down initially. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side did manage to put their guests under pressure at times, but were unable to make the most of chances for Wooyeong Jeong (14’) and Serhou Guirassy (17’) during one of the team’s better periods.
VfB’s attacking efforts petered out after that and there were no major goalmouth incidents before the interval, leaving the sides locked at 0-0 at the break.
Millot on target
VfB eventually took the lead in the 53rd minute through Enzo Millot, and subsequently continued to push forward in a bid to extend their advantage. However, Köln pounced on a defensive lapse in the 62nd minute to equalise through Eric Martel.
Stuttgart threw everything forward in search of a winner and almost found one, only for Millot to be denied by goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe from ten yards out. Köln remained dangerous through their quick transitions and could likewise have taken all three points if Faride Alidou had finished his opportunity in the 85th minute.
Goals
53’: Chris Führich and Hiroki Ito play a neat one-two, ending with the former squaring the ball to Millot to tap over the line.
62’: Josha Vagnoman loses sight of Martel, who ghosts in behind him to control the ball and poke it into the back of the net.