Early lead
VfB got off to the perfect start and opened the scoring through Deniz Undav with just 59 seconds on the clock. The 58,000 spectators in Frankfurt subsequently witnessed a fiercely intense game, in which the home side increased the pressure and managed to equalise through a Waldemar Anton own goal (26′).
Undav at the double
Stuttgart remained dangerous, however, thanks in large part to their aggressive pressing and lightning-fast transitions. Some neat link-up play between Chris Führich and Maximilian Mittelstädt led to VfB restoring their advantage, with the latter crossing for Undav to make it 2-1 (45’+1).
Solid defence
Sebastian Hoeneß’ charges were compact at the back in the second half and refused to allow Frankfurt’s attackers to find their rhythm. As such, VfB’s clinical forward play and resolute defensive showing meant they held on to the result until the final whistle.
Goals
1st minute: Millot delivers a perfectly weighted pass into the box for Undav, who slides the ball low past Kevin Trapp and into the net.
26th minute: Anton inadvertently heads a Philipp Max cross from the left into his own net, leaving Alex Nübel with no chance.
45th +1 minute: After some eye-catching interplay with Führich, Mittelstädt whips a brilliant cross into the box for Undav, who is well placed to head home from close range.
Reaction
Sebastian Hoeneß, VfB head coach: “We produced a very mature performance in the second half and we forced Frankfurt into losing the ball. We started the second half well but then we suffered a little bit because we were too passive. It wasn’t the prettiest of victories, but it still feels very good. We’re looking forward to the coming weeks.”