VfB Stuttgart bites hard behind FC Bayern
VfB Stuttgart were almost relegated last season, but now Sebastian Hoeneß's team is holding its own in the top flight of the Bundesliga. The Swabians deserved to win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The game is overshadowed by violence and an injury to the referee.
Thanks to Deniz Undav, VfB Stuttgart's surprise team continues to surf the wave of success in the Bundesliga. The Swabians secured a well-deserved 2:1 (2:1) win at fearful opponents Eintracht Frankfurt and moved into third place in the table after referee Felix Brych's bitter record match. VfB have already moved nine points clear of SGE, who have also been in good form of late. Undav (1st and 45.+2) scored the first win against the Hessians after nine unsuccessful attempts and 2100 days. Despite Waldemar Anton's own goal (26'), it was Frankfurt's first defeat in eight games and their first league home loss in 13 months.
Referee Brych equaled Wolfgang Stark's record with his 344th Bundesliga appearance, but was unable to continue after the restart due to a right knee injury. He was replaced by fourth official Patrick Schwengers, who made an extremely confident debut in the top flight after just four second division matches. VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had warned against "one of the fastest teams in the league". Due to fatigue after his international trip with Guinea, top scorer Serhou Guirassy initially took his place on the bench, wrapped up in a thick blanket, and Undav started on his own - with success.
After just 57 seconds, the center forward skilfully put the ball past Kevin Trapp with his far post after a dream pass from Enzo Millot. SGE were not shocked and quickly got into the game without the support of the north-west curve. The vociferous supporters left the arena due to what they saw as a disproportionate police deployment in front of their curve.
Curious own goal brings Eintracht back into the game
Nevertheless, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe (8) and Ansgar Knauff (12) had two good chances early on. From the 20th minute onwards, the fans at least returned in silence - and were able to cheer shortly afterwards. Anton deflected a cross from Philipp Max in such an unfortunate way that the ball sank over Alexander Nübel into the goal from around 22 meters. Shortly afterwards, Brych grabbed his knee after a slip, but was able to continue after more than three minutes of treatment.
In front of 58,000 spectators, Eintracht actually dominated the game throughout the first half, but were mercilessly punished for every defensive lapse. Undav nodded in a cross from Maximilian Mittelstädt perfectly against the run of Trapp. Then Brych had to pass after all. After the slightly extended break, VfB took control of the game, but Chris Führich failed to put the ball in the net from a free position (53'). After an hour, Guirassy also came on, who missed the potential 1:3 alone in front of Trapp (82').
Despite the thrilling 2:1 victory, VfB Stuttgart's triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt in soccer was marred by an injury to referee Felix Brych, who had to be substituted after halftime. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt will be eager to bounce back when they face off against fellow Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt, aiming to avoid a second consecutive defeat to their rivals.
Source: www.ntv.de
