Right from the out-set, VfB pressed the hosts back deep into their own half of the pitch and were rewarded for their determined efforts with just five minutes on the clock. From a Tamas Hajnal corner, William Kvist headed to Martin Harnik. The Austrian international’s header was parried by SV keeper Michael Gurski, but only as far as Ermin Bicakcic, who was perfectly placed to stab the ball home and make it 1-0 for VfB.

Shortly after having gone in front, Martin Harnik had a shout for a penalty kick waved away but in the 27th minute, at the other end, Kvist fouled substitute Janjic in the VfB box and the referee was this time convinced and awarded the spot-kick. The fouled Janjic took on the responsibility himself and converted to make it 1-1, which was also the score-line as the sides went into the half time break.

2,100 travelling fans celebrate

The second period began much as the first had, with VfB controlling the tie and creating openings. Cacau first went close with a header before the Bundesliga side finally took the lead once again. Hajnal swung in a free-kick in the fiftieth minute for Kuzmanovic to head home and make it 2-1 for Bruno Labbadia’s men. Just two minutes later, Sven Ulreich had to be alret and react quickly to stop Thorsten Burkhardt from leveling the scores again. With the game approaching its final phase, Wehen threw caution to the wind and left gaps for VfB to exploit, but in spite of the best efforts of Harnik and substitute Ibrahima Traore, the visitors couldn’t increase their advantage any further.