VfB rotates successfully
©IMAGO
A few days after dampening the mood in the Europa League, VfB Stuttgart returned to the Bundesliga. In view of a medical emergency in the block of 1. FSV Mainz 05, which continued to weaken in terms of sport, the Swabians’ 2:1 (1:1) was pushed into the background. Both fan camps stopped supporting for more than 20 minutes in the first half before Mainz announced via X that the affected FSV supporter was “stable” after resuscitation measures and was on the way to the hospital.
Just moments after the first all-clear from the stadium announcer, Nadiem Amiri scored Mainz’s lead with a penalty (41st), which Chris Führich equalized in front of 59,000 spectators (45th +4). Deniz Undav scored the winning goal (80th). The two teams will face each other again in the second round of the cup on Wednesday (6 p.m./“Sky”) – but this time in Mainz.
With ten new players in the starting line-up, the Stuttgart team regained third place in the table – and gave the right answer to the unfortunate 0-1 defeat on the European stage at Fenerbahce Istanbul. The 05ers are still waiting for their second win of the season after the 8th matchday and still have four points.
“All in all, it was an intense game, an intense journey,” Hoeneß explained his many changes in an interview with “Sky”. Only goalkeeper Alexander Nübel remained from the Istanbul starting lineup. “I’m always in touch with the boys and my feeling was that now is the moment when we’re able to rotate. Apart from that, I’m also confident in the team that’s playing.” Maximilian Mittelstädt was unavailable due to a slight injury. Luca Jaquez was also missing after suffering cramps in the previous game.
Despite the lack of automatism, VfB took command from the start, while the guests relied on a quick transition game and deep runs. Things didn’t become dangerous on either side until the 14th minute. That only changed with a tricky header from Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling towards the returnee Robin Zentner, who with some effort cleared it for a corner.
VfB increased the number of hits. The ball found its way to Undav via a detour, but he couldn’t find a way past Zentner from close range. In this phase the chants from the curve fell silent. Only after the stadium announcer announced the first information did applause erupt. However, this was quickly drowned out by a shrill concert of whistles.
Almost unnoticed, referee Felix Zwayer ran to the sidelines to examine the TV images, only to award a hand penalty a short time later. Chema Andrés was unfortunate in getting the ball on his arm. Amiri didn’t miss the chance and took the lead. The game picked up speed again before the break and Führich brought the score level with a fantastic shot.
The DFB Cup winners picked up the momentum after scoring a late equalizer in the first half. Pascal Stenzel tested the hundredweight who was well in front of his goal (48th), who made a decent comeback.
But the Rhenish Hessians also ventured forward from time to time. VfB keeper Alexander Nübel had to play against Danny da Costa and Stefan Bell (55th/66th). Then a long ball from the VfB keeper slipped through to Undav, who ran alone towards the Mainz goal. The national player, who had been rather unlucky until then, coolly lobbed home the winning goal. Nikolas Veratschnig missed the great chance to equalize with his header in stoppage time (90th + 1).