Deserved win at home

Match summary

Sebastian Hoeneß’ side made a furious start at the sold-out MHP Arena, playing at an extremely high tempo and forcing Köln deep into their own half.

Denied by the woodwork

Consequently, the first big chance arrived in the ninth minute. Bilal El Khannouss delivered a cross to the far post, where Josha Vagnoman volleyed the ball against the bar from just three metres.

Six minutes later, Dzenan Pejcinovic also hit the crossbar with a close-range header from Maximilian Mittelstädt’s cross.

El Khannouss with the breakthrough

However, frustration turned to joy for the Stuttgart fans in the 35th minute, when El Khannouss opened the scoring with a wonderful solo effort.

Crucial saves by Bredlow  

The visitors came out firing at the start of the second half and Fabian Bredlow did well to prevent an equaliser with good saves from Ellyes Skhiri’s header (47’) from three metres as well as efforts from Mikey Moore (53’, 56’).

Prömel strikes

VfB were more clinical at the other end and scored the all-important second goal on the hour mark with a flowing move. Mittelstädt cut the ball back to Grischa Prömel in the penalty area, and the summer signing slotted in his first goal for the club.

Demirovic gives daylight

Pejcinovic (71’) and Jeff Chabot (72’) missed good chances to make it 3-0 in quick succession, but substitute Ermedin Demirovic did better three minutes later to all but settle the contest. Köln did reduce the deficit in the 81st minute through Marius Bülter, but Vagnoman replied in stoppage time to wrap up the 4-1 victory.

Goals

39th minute – 1-0: El Khannouss embarks on a spectacular solo run 30 metres from goal and finishes it off with a low shot into the bottom left corner.

60th minute – 2-0: Mittelstädt cuts the ball back perfectly to Prömel, who finds the net from 11 metres.

75th minute – 3-0: Demirovic receives the ball and drives towards the penalty area before firing home from five metres.

81st minute 1-3: Bülter pulls a goal back for Köln on the counter.

90’+1st minute: 4-1: Vagnoman hammers the ball into the net with a volley from 20 metres.

Reaction:

Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß: “We delivered exactly what we set out to do on the pitch. The lads played with intensity, pressure and speed, which was good. We scored very nice goals and it was a well-earned win.”

Midfielder Grischa Prömel: “I couldn’t have imagined a better home debut. It’s an all-round successful night for us. The performance was really good, and even after Köln’s period of pressure at the start of the second half, we regrouped. It was a lot of fun out on there.”