When high-flyer Serhou Guirassy finished his show, the Stuttgart stadium was turned upside down. A convincing VfB remains the surprise team in the Bundesliga thanks to its top goalscorer Guirassy.
The Swabians also deservedly won 3-1 (2-1) against newly promoted Darmstadt 98 and took the lead at the top of the table, at least temporarily. It is VfB’s best start to the season in 37 years and the legendary times of the “magic triangle” with Krassimir Balakov, Giovane Elber and Fredi Bobic.
“I’m very happy. We won, that’s the most important thing. But of course I’m also happy about my goals and that I was able to help my team with them. I have to continue that,” said a beaming Guirassy on “DAZN”. “He’s in top form, outstanding. We’re glad we have him,” praised Chris Führich.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s strong team fell behind in front of 54,300 spectators in the sold-out arena due to an own goal from Dan-Axel Zagadou (17th). However, Enzo Millot equalized just five minutes later before the outstanding Guirassy struck again in the 32nd minute.
For the VfB striker it was the ninth shot on goal this season – and the ninth (!) goal. In injury time, Guirassy (90th + 2) followed number ten. Only then-Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski had scored so many goals after five games in 2020.
Sebastian Hoeneß on the trail of Joachim Löw
For VfB it was their fourth win in the fifth game. Only in 1996 under coach Joachim Löw did Stuttgart have five victories at the start.
The Swabians had been deep in the relegation battle for the last two seasons, and in the summer the traditional club even saved themselves from relegation. Darmstadt, which recently got its first point in the wild 3-3 draw against Gladbach, continues to pay the lessons.
Hoeneß once again let the team start that had last won 3-1 in Mainz. And VfB took the initiative right from the start, but against an extremely defensive team from Darmstadt, the Swabians couldn’t find a gap – the exception was a header from Zagadou after a corner.
VfB Stuttgart promptly hits back
It was all the more surprising that the guests took the lead. Tim Skarke passed the ball into the center during the first Lilien attack, Zagadou overcame his keeper Alexander Nübel in his unfortunate attempt to defend.
VfB shook themselves briefly and quickly hit back. Guirassy prepared for Millot in an exemplary manner. Stuttgart stayed on the trigger and were rewarded when Guirassy fired powerfully from the edge of the penalty area. Just a little later there was something new: a shot on goal by the 27-year-old national player from Guinea did not land in the goal.
It remained one-sided; Chris Führich could have made the preliminary decision in stoppage time in the first half. Shortly after the substitution, Christoph Klarer made a desperate block against Guirassy. Darmstadt now became a little more active, but the Lilies were hardly able to create any chances. VfB was different, but they were no longer decisive enough in the end – until Guirassy did his magic again.