VfB Stuttgart continues to stagger towards relegation after the next late shock. The Swabians lost 1: 2 (0: 0) at the European Cup contender TSG Hoffenheim and have been waiting for a win for nine games in the Bundesliga. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side remain penultimate.
“It’s brutally bitter. We should have at least taken the point. We didn’t make it again,” said Stuttgart’s Pascal Stenzel on “DAZN”: “We became passive at the end of the game, then it will be difficult. In the end we stand there empty-handed, that must not happen.”
Despite another committed appearance, Stuttgart once again missed the liberation – the situation is getting more and more precarious. In the Baden-Württemberg duel, VfB conceded the next blow to the neck after Wataru Endo took the lead (58th). Christoph Baumgartner (85th, 90th) turned the game around with his late brace and shot Hoffenheim to a place in the Champions League, at least temporarily.
“We deserved it in the end. Baumi turned things around with his beautiful flick, we were rewarded,” said Hoffenheim’s David Raum. Moving into the premier class is “a dream, but it’s too early to think about it now.”
Before kick-off, both teams and the 18,099 fans sent a sign of peace. A minute’s silence was held due to the Russian military attack on Ukraine, and the teams displayed a banner reading “Stop War – We Against War”.
Head injury: TSG worried about Geiger
With a view to the precarious sporting situation, Matarazzo had spread optimism. After the bitter draw against Bochum, the team was “even closer together”, stressed the VfB coach, who had to cope with the absence of Silas Katompa Mvumpa and Borna Sosa.
The Stuttgart started confidently. In a varied first half with chances for both sides, VfB showed defensive biting and set dangerous accents in front. There was no sign of uncertainty from the guests – only the exploitation of chances didn’t fit.
Chris Führich hit the post in front of the empty goal (19th), Omar Marmoush (29th) failed to TSG keeper Oliver Baumann. On the other side, VfB were lucky when Pavel Kaderabek hit the bar in the 20th minute.
Only after the next setback caused by the injury to Orel Mangala could Stuttgart be pushed into their own half, and Hoffenheim’s coach Sebastian Hoeneß took control. TSG captain Benjamin Hübner’s goal was withdrawn due to an offside position after video evidence.
Matarazzo brought on Sasa Kalajdzic in the second half. Philipp Förster (53rd) initially caused danger with a deflected attempt. Shortly thereafter, TSG professional Dennis Geiger had to be carried off the field on a stretcher due to a head injury.
Overall, the guests came out of the cabin much better – and rewarded themselves. After a corner, Kalajdzic extended the ball to Endo, who pushed in from close range to take the lead. With the support of more than 2000 loud VfB fans, Endo and Co. defended themselves against the final offensive of the home team. Baumgartner flicked the ball into the upper corner of the goal, which is well worth seeing, and then he made the decision shortly before the end.