First win in first friendly

On Friday evening, VfB Stuttgart faced the first friendly opponents of their pre-season preparations and duly won 4-0 (2-0) away to SSV Reutlingen. The game was played under the motto "Gemeinsam Herz zeigen für Menschen mit Handicap" (Have a heart for people with handicaps), with the side in the shirts with the infamous hoop playing for a good cause as part of their ‘VfBfairplay’ commitment. In front of a wonderful crowd of 7,483 spectators, the teams took to the pitch at the 'Stadion an der Kreuzeiche' accompanied by children both with and without disabilities.

The first chance for Tayfun Korkut’s men fell to David Kopacz, following a Dennis Aogo corner delivery, but the ball landed narrowly wide of the target (4'). Similar fortunes befell efforts from Anastasios Donis (10') and again David Kopacz (12'). It was then Dennis Aogo who was to notch up the first goal of the Cannstatt Boys pre-season preparations, leaving SSV keeper Milan Jurkovic without a chance with a powerful drive from 25 meters out (17').

During the course of the first period, VfB created further openings through Daniel Didavi (33') and Emiliano Insua (34'), but were duly denied by Jurkovic. A deft chip from captain Christian Gentner was cleared off the line (34‘). Anastasios Donis then reacted quickest to get on the end of a long ball from Dennis Aogo and beat the Reutlingen keeper, to make it 2-0 in the 43^rd minute.

For the second-half, Tayfun Korkut altered his side in all positions. It was to take until the 58^th minute before SSV had the next serious threat to deal with. A free-kick from the left delivered by Erik Thommy, narrowly eluded Berkay Özcan in the penalty area. A further free-kick variation, again delivered by Erik Thommy was dealt with by Milan Jurkovic (63'). David Tomic then went close with a shot against the post (67'). The third goal of the game was ultimately scored with ten minutes to go, as Chadrac Akolo converted a well-weighted through ball from Gonzalo Castro, playing his first game in the shirt with the infamous hoop. In the 84^th minute, Marcin Kaminski headed home to make it 4-0 for VfB, marking the end of an entertaining match, during which the hosts from Reutlingen proved a tough nut to crack.