VfB Stuttgart celebrated the success they had hoped for in the Europa League. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team scored an important 2-0 (0-0) late in the home game against Feyenoord Rotterdam.
After four games, the ambitious Swabians, who recently lost to Basel and Fenerbahce, now have six points in their account.
Bilal El Khannouss (84th) and Deniz Undav (90th + 1) scored late goals for VfB in front of 60,000 spectators, but they were disappointing for long stretches.
“It was a strange game, we weren’t that into it. Bilal’s goal was the can opener. We have a good starting position,” said Undav on RTL.
Video: “Funny game”: Undav relieved after VfB success
On November 27th, the Swabians can get a little closer to their minimum goal of the round of 16 against the Go Ahead Eagles from the Netherlands.
Video: 1:0! El Khannouss makes Stuttgart tremble
But first Stuttgart is challenged in the league derby against FC Augsburg on Sunday (5:30 p.m./DAZN). For Feyenoord, leaders of the Eredivisie, the situation in the Europa League remains poor with only three points.
Video: Deniz Undav makes everything clear for VfB
RTL expert Matthäus criticizes VfB Stuttgart at the break
Hoeneß had already emphasized the importance before the game. It’s not an endgame yet, but it’s “a chance to do a lot of things.” It succeeded with some effort.
Luca Jaquez had to pass after warming up. Josha Vagnoman started for him. After the defeat in Leipzig (1:3), Finn Jeltsch, Lorenz Assignon, Chema and Tiago Tomas were also in the starting line-up.
VfB had a hard time. Feyenoord was more active and had the better chances. The best of these went to Hadj Moussa (13th), who was defeated by Alexander Nübel. Stuttgart made far too many mistakes. The German Feyenoord keeper Timon Wellenreuther (formerly Schalke) remained almost unemployed. “Stuttgart doesn’t show its strengths. They have no self-confidence,” complained RTL-Expert Lothar Matthäus during the break.
After the change, VfB continued to have problems building up pressure. El Khannouss had the first significant opportunity for the hosts after just under an hour. Wellenreuther parried. The game became more competitive and VfB became more aggressive. Deniz Undav was denied by Wellenreuther and Jamie Leweling hit the side netting. Finally, the Swabians rewarded themselves in the final phase.