VfB Stuttgart
| 1-1 | Gentner | (62. Min) |
VfL Wolfsburg
| 0-1 | De Bruyne | (13. Min) |
| 1-2 | Olic | (90.+1. Min) |
Jan Polak
Stats 
Definitive relief
A joyous farewell on match day 33 for Cacau, Arthur Boka and Ibrahima Traoré. In their final home game in the VfB Stuttgart colours, the departing trio and their team mates slipped to a 1-2 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg, but with Hamburg and Nuremberg both being beaten at home, VfB were guaranteed their survival in the top flight.
There was good news for the 60,000 enthusiastic VfB fans in the capacity filled Mercedes-Benz Arena. Martin Harnik, who was doubtful having dislocated a shoulder last weekend, was passed fit to play and Huub Stevens could start with the same eleven that began in Hanover.
The ‘Cannstatt-Boys‘ began cautiously, concentrating on remaining compact at the back. The guests had the bulk of the possession but created little of any real danger, until, in the 13th minute, a VfL corner was cleared only as far as the edge of the penalty area, where Kevin de Bruyne was perfectly placed to blast the ball unstoppably into the top corner of the net.
Stevens‘ men refused to allow the setback to shake their concept and continued to stand strong defensively, whilst allowing the guests to come at them. In the 19th minute, Martin Harnik broke on the left and passed to Cacau, but the striker’s effort was turned away for a corner by Diego Benaglio. The former German international had a further chance for VfB in the 40th minute, but could only slice his effort wide of the upright and thus, Wolfsburg took their narrow advantage into the break, as they had ultimately proven more effective.
Again in the second period, both sides began cautiously, but news of Bayern leading 2-0 away to Hamburger SV roused the VfB fans in the ground. That joy was to be made all the greater in the 62nd minute, when Cacau fed the ball through to Christian Gentner, who took on the pass brilliantly and slammed his subsequent shot home to make it 1-1.
Quote for the game
Cacau: "We know that we have had a poor season but we are really relieved now. I’d really like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart for their exceptional support. That was super! I may be leaving the club now, but I will never forget the fans here. The idea of possibly coming back to VfB one day is a very appealing."
Post match comments
With news of Bayern’s third goal in Hamburg, as well as the fact that Nuremberg were trailing, the atmosphere within the Mercedes-Benz Arena took a further boost. The VfB fateful were up out of their seats and ready to celebrate once again, when Ibrahima Traoré let fly, but saw his effort bounce away off the woodwork. Soon after, there was a deserved standing ovation for Cacau, who left the field of play as a VfB player at the Mercedes-Benz Arena for the final time as a Stuttgart player after eleven years at the club.
On the pitch, VfL Wolfsburg still had everything to play for, with a Champions League qualifying place still up for grabs. In the 75th minute, Luiz Gustavo had the chance to put his side in front, but could find no way past Sven Ulreich. Minutes later, Arthur Boka was introduced as a substitute – another man leaving the club at the end of the season, opting for a move to Malaga.
For all of their efforts, VfB were to be left empty handed at the end of the day. In added time, Ivica Olic slotted home to make it 2-1 for VfL Wolfsburg. The defeat was disappointing, but the emotions were far out-weighed by the relief of the knowledge that VfB Stuttgart will be playing Bundesliga football again next season. There was also good news for the VfB reserves, who avoided the drop and will remain in the third division next season.
