“Oh, how beautiful that is,” echoed through the now completely completed Stuttgart Arena. In keeping with the beautiful stadium, VfB – led by club record goalscorer Serhou Guirassy – is also continuing to work on its possible fairytale Champions League qualification.
A week after the 1-0 win at rival Dortmund, coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s efficient Swabians gave Eintracht Frankfurt no chance when they won 3-0 (3-0).
This means that the third-placed Swabians remain level on points with FC Bayern and do not give the impression that they could gamble away the premier class in the five remaining games of the season in the Bundesliga. Theoretically, Stuttgart can no longer be denied entry into the Europa League.
“It’s extraordinary. At the stadium opening, we’re qualifying for an international competition for the first time in ten years,” said VfB sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth on the TV channel Sky and praised the Swabians’ determination, precision and control of the game. “This team needs no explanation, no goal, to want to win the game with a lot of greed in the next game.” Goalscorer Deniz Undav also expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re just in the mood for football games. We’re all having fun. When you win in front of fans like that, it makes you even more excited.”
Guirassy trumps Mario Gomez
VfB earned their success with efficiency in their eleventh league game in a row without defeat. In a one-sided first half, Guirassy (11th minute), who became VfB’s Bundesliga season record goalscorer, as well as Undav (17th) and Jamie Leweling (37th) took advantage of three chances to score three goals. The Frankfurt team in sixth place had to reduce their lead over FC Augsburg to three points in the fight for Europa League qualification.
In the converted arena, the 60,000 spectators experienced a memorable scene early on. After a fine pass from Angelo Stiller, who had moved back into midfield, striker Guirassy was ripped off in front of Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and set a Bundesliga season record for VfB. With his 25th goal, the attacker surpassed former national striker Mario Gomez, whose previous record (24) came from the 2008/2009 season. The lead was initially not recognized because of an alleged offside position, but only after a video review did referee Deniz Aytekin give it 1-0.
Stuttgart ice cold
The hosts continued to take advantage of their chances, took advantage of the guests’ mistakes and celebrated again just a few minutes later. This time the starting point was a throw-in from Frankfurt. Eintracht defender Robin Koch couldn’t keep the ball against the lurking Undav – and Guirassy’s offensive partner didn’t miss his opportunity.
The Hessians, for whom midfielder Mario Götze was unavailable due to conjunctivitis, were unable to stop VfB’s offensive drive decisively enough – and even fell further behind before the break. Koch was involved again. His header attempt to clear the ball landed at Undav. Winger Leweling converted his assist.
Eintracht gets into the game better after the break
The Swabians were able to cope with the loss of regular goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. One day after it was announced that the ailing keeper would be loaned out from FC Bayern to VfB, Nübel was replaced by Fabian Bredlow. The substitute also got the ball on his head during his save against former VfB professional Omar Marmoush and had to be treated, but was able to continue playing.
In the second half, Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller sent striker Hugo Ekitiké onto the pitch for Ansgar Knauff. And the guests, who were now more aggressive, found their way into the game much better. The Swabians took it easy and the Frankfurters had more chances. Ekitiké missed a cross (72′). With a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area, Marmoush forced VfB goalkeeper Bredlow to make a save (76′).
