Vital points against Gladbach

Guirassy opens the scoring

Both teams endeavoured to play a possession-based game from the outset, eager to find solutions. VfB were more successful in doing so, and Enzo Millot forced Jonas Omlin into a save on 21 minutes before Sebastian Hoeneß’ charges broke the deadlock just 60 seconds later. VfB took a quick throw-in following a corner and worked the ball to the unmarked Waldemar Anton inside the penalty area. The defender took aim at goal and his shot was turned in via Serhou Guirassy’s heel. Gladbach turned up the pressure after that and Fabian Bredlow had to be alert to produce a big save from Alassane Plea (33′), before Stuttgart created two good chances for Silas just before half-time (40′, 42′).

Two penalties

The second half began with a setback for VfB as Guirassy had to be taken off with a facial injury on 56 minutes. The momentum shifted after that as the visitors pushed with greater intensity for an equaliser, forcing VfB to contain them and seek relief on the counter-attack. Substitute Tiago Tomas was unable to beat Omlin with one such foray forward (64′). Gradually, however, Hoeneß’ men grew into the game once more. Dan Axel Zagadou sent a header narrowly over the bar (71′) before conceding a penalty for handball at the opposite end of the pitch seven minutes later, which Julian Weigl converted to equalise (78′). VfB hit back almost instantly though, Tanguy Coulibaly likewise scoring from the penalty spot (83′) after Gladbach defender Ko Itakura was sent off for the foul. VfB saw out the rest of the game with determination to collect three precious points.

The goals:

22nd minute (1-0): VfB take a quick throw-in. Anton shoots from close range and Guirassy flicks it over the line with his heel.

78th minute (1-1): Weigl equalises with a penalty.

83rd minute (2-1): Coulibaly makes no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1!

Reaction:

Sebastian Hoeneß, VfB head coach: “We didn’t really give them a sniff and in the first half we created marginally more chances. We didn’t start the second half very well though, and their equaliser at 1-1 was frustrating. But the team’s reaction after that was great. They didn’t let their heads hang and the players sharpened their focus straight away again. It’s an important victory. Aside from the result, I’m pleased with the manner in which the team earned this win.”