Home defeat to Gladbach

Match summary

Sebastian Hoeneß’s side took the lead after just five minutes. Dzenan Pejcinovic’s flick-on found Ermedin Demirovic, who sent a powerful 25-metre effort past Moritz Nicolas to put VfB 1-0 up.

Opportunity for Hendriks

Stuttgart continued to dominate the first half and went close to doubling their advantage through Ramon Hendricks, who fired off target from close range following a corner after 18 minutes.

Scally levels

Hoeneß’s charges took their foot off the gas after that, and they were punished when Joe Scally back-heeled Zentu Uno’s shot into the net from close range. Wael Mohya almost completed the turnaround shortly before the break, but his shot struck the crossbar.

VfB fall behind

Gladbach got their noses in front six minutes after the restart, when Mohya managed to get the better of Lorenz Assignon before teeing up Shuto Machino, who fired home from seven metres to make it 2-1.

Hoeneß reacted immediately, bringing on Bilal El Khannouss, Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling for Assignon, Leo Sauer and Pejcinovic (55’).

Demirovic strikes

However, it was the visitors who extended their advantage when Mohya headed home in the 66^th minute. Demirovic converted Leweling’s cross to make it 3-2 with seven minutes remaining, before Nicolas denied El Khannouss an equaliser in second-half stoppage time.

Goals

5^th minute – 1-0: Demirovic fires VfB ahead with an effort from 25 metres out.

38^th minute – 1-1: Scally diverts Uno’s shot into the net to restore parity.

51^st minute – 1-2: Mohya tees up Machino inside the area and the Japanese striker slams high into the net to put the Foals in front.

66^th minute – 3-1: Scally lifts a cross into the area and Mohya rises highest to extend Borussia’s lead.

83^rd minute – 3-2: Demirovic heads home Leweling’s cross to give Stuttgart hope – but it isn’t enough.