In the Friday game of the 25th Bundesliga matchday, VfB Stuttgart had the chance to initially come within one point of Bayern and second place. VfB received 1. FC Union Berlin at home. For the Köpenickers, it was about moving further away from the relegation places after their recently stabilized performance under coach Nenad Bjelica.
Before the game it was announced that VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had extended his contract until 2027. He had kept Stuttgart in the Bundesliga – VfB played in the relegation game against Hamburger SV in 2023 – and could lead them to the Champions League this season.
The most important position at VfB is the coach
“I am pleased to have extended my contract with VfB early. Together we have managed to put VfB on a good path. Our goal must be to follow this path sustainably in order to get VfB permanently back in the top half of the table establish,” said Hoeneß. Sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth said: “I can say it without further ado: the early extension of Sebastian Hoeneß’s contract is as important for our further sporting development as no other personnel in the club at the moment.”
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In the third minute, Yorbe Vortessen had the chance to take the early lead for Union. A high ball, a misunderstanding in the Stuttgart defense and suddenly Vortessen was able to finish – but shot wide to the left. An open, offensive game began. The Stuttgart team started at a high pace, but the Union team largely didn’t allow themselves to be put under pressure. VfB became more and more dominant in the game and had more and more possession of the ball until the half-time whistle.
Weakness in finishing and offensive urge
What also characterized the first half was the weak finishes of both teams. Union found it more difficult to want to score a goal. After the early chance, the Berliners didn’t come close to scoring. VfB, on the other hand, had chances. In the 12th minute, Enzo Millot shot the ball in the Berlin penalty area far over the goal and into the Cannstatter curve.
Even though VfB missed a few chances, they were able to rely on their striker Serhou Guirassy. In the 19th minute he got everything he needed to score, a pass through the Berlin defense. He was alone in front of Union goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow and finished routinely. Shortly before the end, Josha Vagnoman had the chance to extend the lead. But his shot was blocked.
At the start of the second half, Stuttgart replaced the injured Anthony Rouault. Waldemar Anton came for him. Shortly afterwards, one of Stuttgart’s few weaknesses this season became apparent: their lack of air supremacy. After a corner, Lucas Tousart was completely free to head the ball, but Alexander Nübel was able to save. The Berliners didn’t have any further chances, but they had to put a lot of effort into preventing VfB from deciding the game. Union managed to do that for a long time.
Führich’s shot and Unioner frustration
In the 65th minute it was what couldn’t be prevented, not even collectively, that led to the goal: an individual performance. Chris Führich was not put under enough pressure by Josip Juranović and was able to shoot from 16 meters. He made a remarkable conversion, made it 2-0 and currently has seven goals and seven assists this season. Shortly afterwards, Union weakened itself, or rather the referee. In the 69th minute, András Schäfer received a red card, a tough decision. Although Schäfer was too late, he caught Vagnoman with his sole, but not dangerously. The sending off wasn’t a clear wrong decision, the VAR didn’t intervene and Union played outnumbered from then on.
The Stuttgart team continued to control the game, the Union team seemed frustrated. In the 77th minute, Tousart received a yellow card for a frustrating foul. In the final phase it was actually a question of whether Stuttgart would do something about the goal difference or not. They didn’t, but Stuttgart continues to hold on to a Champions League spot.
In the Friday game of the 25th Bundesliga matchday, VfB Stuttgart had the chance to initially come within one point of Bayern and second place. VfB received 1. FC Union Berlin at home. For the Köpenickers, it was about moving further away from the relegation places after their recently stabilized performance under coach Nenad Bjelica.
Before the game it was announced that VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had extended his contract until 2027. He had kept Stuttgart in the Bundesliga – VfB played in the relegation game against Hamburger SV in 2023 – and could lead them to the Champions League this season.
