Union scoreless against top teams
VfB artificial shot puts a lot of pressure on FC Bayern
March 8, 2024, 10:27 p.m
Unbeaten in seven Bundesliga games, the pressure on FC Bayern has increased: VfB Stuttgart beat Union Berlin in a varied game at the start of the 25th matchday. In the end, a strong individual performance decides the game, the Köpenick team cannot get out of the basement.
In the morning the contract extension, in the evening the next important victory: VfB Stuttgart duly celebrated the stay of its successful coach Sebastian Hoeneß and took another step towards the Champions League in the Bundesliga. The Swabians defeated Union Berlin 2-0 (1-0), extended their lead over fifth place in the table to ten points – and crawled to within one point of FC Bayern Munich, at least for one night.
Top striker Serhou Guirassy (19th) and Chris Führich (65th) scored the sixth win in the last seven league games for VfB, which can increasingly plan for the premier class. Union showed a good performance against the surprise team of the season, but weakened themselves at the latest with a red card for Andras Schäfer (69th).
The atmosphere in Stuttgart was great even before the game. Coach Hoeneß, who transformed VfB from a relegation candidate to a Champions League aspirant and was probably also on the list at FC Bayern, had extended his contract early until 2027. “I have the feeling that we can develop something here,” said the 41-year-old before kick-off on DAZN.
But his team narrowly avoided a false start. In the third minute, Yorbe Vertessen appeared free in front of Alexander Nübel after a long ball, but shot wide to the left. However, VfB, whose captain Waldemar Anton and Deniz Undav initially only sat on the bench, quickly recovered from the shock and took control of the game.
Führich fantastic decision
The Stuttgart team repeatedly came dangerously close to the Berlin penalty area, especially on the left side, but Union lacked precision in the few relief attacks. While Schäfer (16th) also missed the guests’ second chance, Guirassy on the other side remained ice cold after good preparatory work by Atakan Karazor.
With their ball security and aggressive counter-pressing, the home side were now able to patiently look for a gap in Berlin’s defense, but Union also continued to create pinpricks on the counterattack. Lucas Tousart (42nd) and especially Josha Vagnoman (45th + 1) on the VfB side missed further goals.
The second half started like the first – with a chance for Union. Once again it was Tousart (48′) who was denied by Nübel after a corner. Meanwhile, Stuttgart remained dominant in the game, but rarely found themselves in dangerous situations. So it’s fitting that an individual effort led to success.
Führich initially responded strongly to an attempt by Union to clear the ball, then took a few steps and shot the ball beautifully into the goal. The game was decided at the latest when Schäfer was sent off for serious foul play.