Strike duo make the difference

Compared to the side that began in last weekend's 3-0 win in Cologne, VfB had to make do without the services of captain Thomas Hitzlsperger (fifth yellow card) for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. The German international was replaced in the midfield by the returning Sami Khedira. The forced change was the only personnel alteration that VfB team boss Markus Babbel saw fit to make.
In a capacity filled Mercedes-Benz Arena in glorious sunshine, VfB full-back Ludovic Magnin was the first to put the pressure on the visitors from Frankfurt. A free-kick by the Swiss international from 20 meters out was sent rasping just outside the left post. As the match unfolded, VfB took the upper hand and created chances, but failed to make any of them count initially. Then, in the 33rd minute, Markus Babbel's men were rewarded for their efforts with the lead. From a Frankfurt throw-in, VfB won back the ball and Ludovic Magnin went powering down the left flank. The defenders cross into the box found Cacau, who eluded his marker and flicked his header excellently inside the near post - 1-0.

Gomez settles the tie

Soon after the re-start, the VfB fateful had further reason to celebrate. Once again Ludovic Magnin was involved, as he lobbed a free-kick from the right into the Eintracht penalty area which found Mario Gomez and the German international had time to take the ball on with his right foot before poking home past Eintracht keeper Markus Pröll with his left - 2-0. The second Stuttgart goal proved to deflate the visitors and Markus Babbel's men controlled the flow of play from that point on. Eintracht gave their all but never really looked like threatening the VfB lead - which was very nearly increased to three when a powerful Cacau strike was touched against the bar by Pröll. In the end it was a deserved 2-0 home win for Stuttgart, who continue their impressive run of form.

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