VfB Stuttgart
Borussia M'gladbach
| 0-1 | Raffael | (37. Min) |
| 0-2 | Wendt | (73. Min) |
Granit Xhaka
Stats 
VfB learn the hard way
A the end of an evenly-balanced first half, VfB were trailing 0-1, but in a second half dominated by Borussia Mönchengladbach, the guests increased their advantage to 2-0 and took all three points to solidify their position as fourth in the table.
VfB coach Thomas Schneider made just one change to his starting eleven from the derby win in Freiburg, with Antonio Rüdiger returning from suspension to take his place in the heart of the back four, forcing Karim Haggui back to the bench.
Gladbach ultimately effective in even first period
The game began with an effort from distance by Gladbach’s Granit Xhaka (1’), followed seconds later by a wonderful pass from Alexandru Maxim, which just eluded Vedad Ibisevic, bursting through in the centre (2’). The best chance of the early part of the half fell to the visitors. Patrick Herrmann tested Sven Ulreich from a tight angle, but the VfB keeper was equal to the effort. At the other end, VfB hit on a pacy break, which subsequently saw William Kvist fire in a shot from 25 meters out which narrowly missed the target (26‘).
Following another half-chance for Timo Werner (34‘), Borussia then hit on the counter attack and made effective use of the opportunity which presented itself. VfB had the numbers in defence, but a clever through ball from Hermann allowed Raffael to take possession, round Sven Ulreich and slot home to put his side in front (37’). Another poor pass at the end of the period caused the hosts further problems, but Christian Gentner and Sven Ulreich combined to keep the damage to a minimum going into the break.
Statement
Thomas Schneider: "We faced a team tonight that was simply better.” Post match comments
Dominant visitors increase their lead
Ibrahima Traoré replaced Moritz Leiter, who was making his 50th Bundesliga appearance, from the start of the second half but, immediately from the whistle to restart proceedings, Mönchengladbach largely controlled the tie. VfB trainer Thomas Schneider saw his side in need of an injection of attacking power and introduced front-man Mohammed Abdellaoue in place of midfielder William Kvist (63’).
The new man was to briefly create a new impulse in favour of the home side, but as so often during the game, brief periods of ascendancy VfB were to fizzle away without yield. On the whole, Borussia were the more dominant force in the second half and made that superiority count in the 73rd minute, when Oscar Wendt fired from the edge of the box, leaving Sven Ulreich without a chance and increasing his side’s advantage to 2-0.
With the match all over bar the shouting, the Bundesliga’s fourth placed side looked extremely comfortable on the ball and, for all of VfB’s best efforts, there was to be no way through for the home side. As a consequence, the better team took the points on the night.
