Ninth home game, first victory: Stuttgart is unaffected by quarrels

Friday 29th January 2021

Ninth home game, first win
Stuttgart is unaffected by quarrels

Internally there is a huge crash at VfB Stuttgart, but things are running again on the pitch. After two defeats, the newcomer is building on the strong form of the first half of the season. The FSV Mainz 05, however, can not add after the success against Leipzig.

Promoted VfB Stuttgart has ended the negative run and celebrated its long-awaited first home win since returning to the Bundesliga. After the last two defeats, the Swabians deservedly won 2-0 (0-0) against relegation candidate FSV Mainz 05.

The Austrian international Sasa Kalajdzic (55th) headed and striker Silas Wamangituka (72nd) with his eleventh goal of the season secured the three for VfB. For coach Pellegrino Matarazzo it was the ninth attempt to win in his own stadium. The Stuttgarter, who had previously only managed one success in seven games, gained some air with 25 points in tenth place in the table. Mainz and coach Bo Svensson experienced a setback after the surprising 3: 2 against RB Leipzig. With ten points they are in 17th place. Striker Karim Onisiwo had bad luck with a header on the crossbar (61st).

At VfB, the power struggle in the club leadership between President Claus Vogt and CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger caused a stir during the week. A banner with the words "No virtual MV!" Hung on the stands, with which the fans stood behind Vogt. The president had single-handedly announced that the general meeting planned for March would be postponed by six months – he encountered fierce opposition in the presidium. "We are fortunate that it is not a sporting crisis," said sporting director Sven Mislintat: "We ignore that and keep it away from the team."

Fresh lawn, fresh injuries

The VfB pros should ensure positive moments again on the grass that was freshly laid two weeks ago. The offensive direct game was initially prevented by the courageous Mainz team. The guests played robustly and occasionally came to dangerous deals themselves.

But the shots by Onisiwo (11th) and Joker Jonathan Burkardt (28th) missed their target. The people from Stuttgart, who played in rainbow jerseys as part of the remembrance day in German football, found their way into the game over time. Especially on the left side of Borna Sosa it was often dangerous, but Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner never got into real trouble.

Low points were two early injuries. VfB captain Gonzalo Castro experienced in his 400th Bundesliga game – only Manuel Neuer (423) from FC Bayern and Union Berlin's Christian Gentner (416) have more – a botched anniversary. The 33-year-old had to leave the field after 24 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Mainz striker Robin Quaison couldn't go on with problems in his right knee.

Even in the second half of the game, the top chances initially failed to appear. The Stuttgart team achieved a slight overweight, but had their problems with the hard pace of the Mainz team. Both teams lacked calm near the penalty area. At least until Sosa found the two meter tall Kalajdzic in the center with a measure flank, the striker gave Hundreds no chance. Shortly thereafter, Onisiwo missed the great opportunity to equalize. Wamangituka made it all clear after a solo on a counterattack.