- In the 3rd match for Wildes, VfB struggles to secure a victory against Mainz, continuing their league-wide winless streak.
Despite an initial 2-0 lead and an outrageously strange late goal from a free-kick, VfB Stuttgart failed to secure their first win of the season on the second matchday. Despite being in the Champions League, Stuttgart could only manage a 3-3 (2-1) draw against 1. FSV Mainz 05, leaving them stuck on one point.
Enzo Millot (8th minute) and Jamie Leweling (15th) put Stuttgart ahead with two early goals in front of 59,000 spectators. Nadiem Amiri (penalty, 43rd) and Jonathan Burkardt (62nd) equalized for Mainz. In the 88th minute, Stuttgart's Swiss national player Fabian Rieder struck the post with a free-kick. The ball bounced off goalkeeper Robin Zentner's back and into the net, but Maxim Leitsch secured a point for Mainz in injury time.
Once again, Stuttgart fans traveled to the stadium in a large convoy before the first home game of the season. Fans cheered and partied in the stadium as Stuttgart started strongly. However, Mainz struggled defensively, allowing Deniz Undav to miss several opportunities (3rd/4th).
But Stuttgart seized the moment. A shot by Chris Fuhrich was saved into Millot's path, allowing him to score the 1-0. Seven minutes later, a disastrous play from a high ball by FSV defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen allowed Leweling to score an impressive goal from the top corner.
Stuttgart had several chances to extend their lead, but after a wasted chance for Undav (29th), they failed to capitalize. Mainz came back into the game, hitting the post twice through Alexander Nübel (33rd/35th) before Amiri scored from the penalty spot. Burkardt had been fouled by Millot in a race. Just before half-time, VfB defender Anrie Chase prevented the 2-2 with a goal-line clearance.
The second half started with Stuttgart still on top. After Millot missed a good chance (51st), Burkardt scored from close range, making the game wide open. However, another goal from Burkardt was disallowed for offside (70th). Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß brought on Ermedin Demirovic and El Bilal Touré to boost the attack. A free-kick from substitute Rieder found its way into the net, bringing Stuttgart close to victory. However, Leitsch headed in the equalizer for Mainz in injury time.
Despite the excitement from the Other Stuttgart fans, their team's lead slipped away as the game progressed. The Other goalkeeper, Zentner, had an unusual contribution to the score, inadvertently allowing the 'Other' goal from Rieder's free-kick.
