Stuttgart’s attack leaves Bremen no chance

It was an assault in which only a fraction of the big chances created led to goals: VfB Stuttgart was highly superior to Werder Bremen in a 2-0 (1-0) win on Saturday evening. The Swabians thus continued their impressive climb in the Bundesliga and are currently comfortably in third place in the table. Werder slipped to 13th place with their eighth defeat of the season.

Is it possible to be in the starting lineup together? VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß gave a positive answer to the question of a strike duo of Deniz Undav/Serhou Guirassy for the first time this season and let his two top attackers both play from the start.

“It worked well,” said Undav after the game. “I thought we were often dangerous. Maybe we should have shot more often, then maybe more goals would have been scored,” said the striker. Werder coach Ole Werner was disillusioned: “VfB is a top team this year. But you also have to say that we lost almost every duel, especially in the first half.”

Stuttgart attack vortex with Undav and Guirassy

Werder responded to this tactical volte-face with a three-man defensive chain, thus gaining a slight advantage in midfield in the first few minutes and moving forward boldly. But that didn’t work for long – VfB soon found each other and took over the direction.

And how: Led by Atakan Karazor, VfB’s attack machine put on a lot of pressure. Undav twice (9th and 11th minutes) and Guirassy once (16th) were denied by Werder keeper Michael Zetterer, before the visitors’ goalkeeper made a fatal mistake a short time later: in the 17th minute he missed a long-range shot from Waldemar Anton rebound forward – Undav was there and pushed the ball over the line to make it 1-0, which was now well deserved.

VfB exploits opportunities – Werder is lucky

VfB was now having fun and Werder needed a lot of luck: After Silas narrowly failed in the 20th minute, Guirassy scored his goal 60 seconds later: After a cross from Enzo Millot, he was in the right place and converted from close range. However, the “spot on” didn’t last: Guirassy was just offside – the goal was conceded by the VAR.

After 30 minutes, Stuttgart had shot on goal eight times and Werder not once. But it was only 1-0 for Stuttgart. A problem that almost took revenge in the 35th minute: On the other side, Raphael Borré suddenly found himself free eleven meters in front of the goal after preparation by Marvin Ducksch – but shot at the approaching Anton.

Guirassy forgives and forgives and hits

Guirassy’s reputation for scoring from every opportunity took further damage in the second half. In the 51st minute, after a brilliant backheel trick by Silas, he was clear of Zetterer, but shot the ball past the right of the box from eight meters. Three minutes later he missed a free-standing shot from half-right.

After both teams had exchanged heavily with 20 minutes to go – VfB, among others, had Undav leave the field – Guirassy suddenly flew through the Bremen penalty area. Supposedly fouled by substitute Niklas Stark. Referee Bastian Dankert immediately pointed to the penalty spot. And Guirassy didn’t miss this chance: he gave Zetterer a 2-0 lead (75′). That’s it. Stuttgart’s high flight continued on matchday 13.

Bremen against Augsburg, VfB welcomes Leverkusen

Werder will face the FC Augsburg team at home next matchday (Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). A day later, the Stuttgart team faces Bayer Leverkusen (3:30 p.m.). Before that, VfB has another cup date: on Wednesday they face Borussia Dortmund (8:45 p.m.).