The Stuttgart football professionals jumped up and down, right in front of the Cannstatter Kurve, where the happy VfB fans proudly presented a banner with the inscription “Frontrunners”. The corresponding chants of course also echoed through the stadium after the 3:1 (2:1) against promoted team Darmstadt 98.
Led by top scorer Serhou Guirassy, VfB Stuttgart continues to shake up the Bundesliga and climbed to the top of the table, at least temporarily.
“We hope that he continues in the same way and stays healthy,” said VfB offensive player Chris Führich after the game about double goalscorer Guirassy on the streaming service DAZN. “He’s in top form, he’s outstanding, he just keeps going from week to week. We’re happy, the club is happy that we have him this year.”
Guirassy with ten goals after five games
Guirassy scored ten goals after five games – and sparked a lot of euphoria in the Stuttgart area. “I’m happy with my goals. I’m giving my maximum,” said the 27-year-old modestly. “He brings everything, puts the ball well, is a goal threat,” praised Darmstadt’s Klaus Gjasula and stated: “He’s a good striker.”
After VfB central defender Dan-Axel Zagadou’s own goal (17th minute), Enzo Millot equalized following an assist from Guirassy (22nd). The 27-year-old took the lead ten minutes later and the third goal (90.2) also went to the league’s best scorer. While VfB are at the top after four wins from five games, the guests are still waiting for their first win after their return to the first division.
“We’re really tingling, and not just because of the defeat,” said Darmstadt coach Torsten Lieberknecht after the game. As a “little Darmstadt 98” you have the feeling that you have to “show yourself a bit more snotty”, “on and, if necessary, off the pitch”.
VfB is not unsettled by conceding a goal
The Lilies rarely appeared cheeky against Stuttgart. Nevertheless, they were allowed to cheer out of nowhere. VfB, in the person of Zagadou, helped a lot. A cross from Tim Skarke was his undoing, which he directed past goalkeeper Alexander Nübel into the goal.
The Stuttgart team, who had a lot of self-confidence, were not unsettled by the setback in front of 54,000 spectators. “For us it is important to accept the fight and play our game,” said Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß, preparing for a “challenge”. He didn’t want to be blinded by the 13 goals that Darmstadt had conceded before the start of the fifth matchday.
In the first two home games, Hoeneß’ team won 5-0 against VfL Bochum and Europa League participants SC Freiburg – never before had a club in Bundesliga history started like this in front of a home crowd with a goal difference of plus ten goals . And VfB was also able to celebrate against Darmstadt after 22 minutes. Guirassy cleverly passed to Millot – 1:1. The hosts dominated the game, had more ball action, won more duels and were rewarded with the lead before the break with a remarkable goal from Guirassy.
Führich goal disallowed, Guirassy worried about decision
Darmstadt tried to use their physicality to get back into the game against the best offense in the league – in vain. Even after the restart, the Swabians appeared more determined. Again it was Guirassy who missed the first opportunity (53′).
On the other side, Lieberknecht would have liked to have been awarded a penalty, but referee Matthias Jöllenbeck decided against blowing the whistle. After that, the Stuttgart team was back in control.
The supposed 3-1 by Chris Führich was overturned by the video referee due to an offside position (65th). Just a minute later, Marcel Schuhen saved from Guirassy and Millot slipped as he tried to shoot. Doubts about a home win arose again in the final phase because Darmstadt made gains. But Guirassy made the decision with a lob in injury time.
