VfB Stuttgart literally clinched a home win against Hertha BSC in the last second and thus took a big step out of the relegation zone.
Due to the 2:1 (1:1) in the game in Stuttgart, VfB now has 14 points and is 13th in the table, Hertha is in penultimate place with eleven points. Konstantinos Mavropanos (90+8) scored the late winner. Serhou Guirassy (4th) had previously scored the lead for Stuttgart and Dodi Lukebakio equalized for the Berliners (19th).
“There was always the belief that we could score the goal”said Stuttgart’s interim coach Michael Wimmer on Sky. “I kind of had the feeling that Dinos was going to get a header. Of course we’re over the moon and happy that it actually works out to make it 2-1.”
Hertha equalizes Stuttgart’s early lead
Guirassy gave Stuttgart a quick lead. Tiago Tomás played the ball low to the top, Guirassy was faster than Hertha’s Marc-Oliver Kempf and scored from ten meters (4th).
Stuttgart remained the better team with the better chances in the first half, but Hertha equalized. In the first outplayed attack from Berlin, Lukebakio scored a cross from the right at the height of the second post from seven meters with a direct acceptance (19th).
Endo has to leave the field injured after a collision
In the second half the game lost quality. A corner from Lukebakio became dangerous for Hertha: Lucas Tousart got a shot from eight meters away, but Konstantinos Mavropanos cleared the line for Stuttgart with a header.
In the 77th minute there was an unfortunate collision between Hertha’s Ivan Sunjic and VfB’s Wataru Endo. Endo was hit in the temple, fell unconscious briefly and had to leave the field, while Sunjic continued playing with a bandage. Dealing with head injuries is repeatedly criticized in professional football. Continuing to play with a concussion can be life-threatening, and football has been looking for the right way to deal with the issue for several years. According to VfB, Endo was responsive again in the ambulance.
Mavropanos scores in stoppage time
The injury resulted in a long stoppage time – and the decision was made late. Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen parried a header from Enzo Millot (90′ + 6), but he was powerless on the last attempt: Mavropanos headed the ball in from a corner from the left by Sosa to Stuttgart victory (90′ + 8). “The game lasts until the end. I’m really angry, really angry”said Hertha’s midfielder Jean-Paul Boetius.
Stuttgart’s players celebrated in the dressing room – but above all they sent a picture with their jersey and a get well wish to Endo.
Stuttgart in Leverkusen, Hertha against Cologne
The last game before the World Cup break is now up for both clubs. On Matchday 15, VfB Stuttgart have to play away to Leverkusen (Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.). At the same time, Hertha receives 1. FC Köln. After the World Cup, the Bundesliga will continue with the 16th matchday from January 20th.