VfB Stuttgart suffered a 0:2 defeat against Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League, marking their first home loss in over a year. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß expressed disappointment, while fans had mixed reactions post-match. Stuttgart struggled offensively, generating few chances, and faced challenges due to injuries. Despite their current standing in the tournament, sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth remains optimistic about their potential to advance in upcoming matches.
VfB Stuttgart Faces Setback Against Atalanta Bergamo
In a challenging Champions League encounter, VfB Stuttgart fell to Atalanta Bergamo with a score of 0:2, delivering a tough lesson for the team. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß expressed his disappointment, stating, “That hurts.”
The atmosphere after the final whistle was peculiar. Many fans at the stadium chose to celebrate the team’s efforts despite the loss, while others left early following Atalanta’s second goal just before time expired. This reaction was unusual for Stuttgart, especially since it marked their first home defeat in over a year. The players appeared to struggle with processing the match outcome, as evidenced by their bewildered expressions.
Atalanta’s Tactical Mastery
VfB Stuttgart encountered their toughest opponent yet this Champions League season, even surpassing the challenges posed by Real Madrid and Juventus. Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, showcased an impressive defensive structure and physical strength, consistently troubling Stuttgart with their man-to-man marking strategy. Their efficiency in front of the goal was evident, with Ademola Lookman scoring in the 51st minute and Nicolo Zaniolo adding another in the 88th minute.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s team demonstrated remarkable maturity and experience, ultimately providing VfB Stuttgart with a valuable lesson in high-level competition.
Stuttgart struggled offensively throughout the match, generating few significant chances. A header from Anthony Rouault (11th minute), a near miss from Deniz Undav (45th), a close attempt by substitute Jarzinho Malanga (82nd), and a long-range shot from Pascal Stenzel (87th) were the highlights of their attack. This continued their trend of difficulties in breaking down defenses, as seen in their previous goalless draw against Leverkusen.
Right-back Josha Vagnoman reflected on the match, stating, “We lacked the final pass in the offense. It was challenging against this opponent, as Bergamo defended well and dealt with our attempts effectively.”
With a congested fixture schedule and injuries impacting the squad, Stuttgart’s freshness appeared to be waning. The absence of players like Chris Führich, Jeff Chabot, and Jamie Leweling has been felt, and concerns now arise regarding Deniz Undav, who was substituted in the 55th minute due to a muscle issue.
The club announced that Undav suffered a strain to his left hamstring, and his availability for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt remains uncertain, though not ruled out entirely.
Currently, Stuttgart sits with four points after four Champions League matches, positioned 27th in the standings, a rank that would not qualify them for the knockout stage. However, upcoming matches against teams lower in the rankings, such as Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys Bern, and Slovan Bratislava, offer a glimmer of hope.
Sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth remains optimistic, stating that the interim results are “absolutely fine” and expressing confidence in the team’s ability to advance. Vagnoman assured fans, “We will give our best in the next matches to collect as many points as possible.”
*Tune in on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:00 AM for SWR Aktuell in the morning, SWR Aktuell.*