The dual leadership of Deniz Undav and Serhou Guirassy led VfB Stuttgart to victory against Werder Bremen.
In their first joint starting eleven appearance, the two strikers were the goalscorers in the Swabians’ 2-0 (1-0) win. Undav, who had once been rejected from the Werder youth team, initially rewarded a dominant performance by the hosts with the lead (17th minute). Guirassy made the decision with a converted penalty kick (75.)
The surprise team in the Bundesliga consolidated its third place in the table behind Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich and successfully prepared for the DFB Cup round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund. Bremen, who were weak away from home, started the final spurt to Christmas with a defeat, which coach Ole Werner had proclaimed to be trend-setting.
In front of 54,500 spectators in the sold-out arena, VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had his starting eleven offensive, apart from the two goal scorers Guirassy and Undav. Undav, who grew up not far from Bremen, once had painful experiences at Werder. As a teenager, the attacker was unable to assert himself and has since given up his professional hopes. In freezing temperatures he showed again why he is so valuable as a loan from the Premier League for the Swabians, who are playing in a special jersey this time.
Opponents miss good opportunities
Together with strike partner Guirassy and his other offensive colleagues, the attacker came closer and closer to scoring. Silas Katompa Mvumpa had the first chance (6th), then Undav shot past the Bremen goal after a corner on the right (9th). Guirassy also missed the lead several times, once after several one-twos with Undav (11th). Then it was time for Stuttgart’s goal celebration: Undav poked the ball over the line. Captain Waldemar Anton had checked Michael Zetterer and the Werder goalkeeper let the ball bounce.
The hosts confidently dominated the game, but with further good chances they missed the second goal for a long time. A goal from Guirassy was disallowed due to offside a few minutes after the 1-0 lead (21′), Guirassy’s shot from a tight angle rolled just wide just before the break (40′). Undav failed with a long-range shot before the half-time whistle (45′). Bremen, on the other hand, hardly got into the game on offense and were repeatedly in danger on defense.
After the break there was one of Bremen’s rare offensive actions. However, things immediately became much more dangerous on the other side than when Mitchell Weiser finished (49′): Guirassy, the Swabians’ top scorer, missed the next big opportunities in his first starting eleven after his muscle injury and the strain of his international trip (51′). ./61.).
Only with the penalty did Guirassy remain cool as usual and convert centrally. According to referee Bastian Dankert, the goalscorer himself was fouled by substitute Niklas Stark. The people of Bremen protested urgently. VfB national player Chris Führich was treated outside before the scene and received the ball from Werder goalkeeper Zetterer.
Bundesliga table squad of VfB Stuttgart VfB dates information about the game
