VfB overcome in-form Bremen

Match summary

Sebastian Hoeneß’ side began brightly and went close to taking the lead when Bilal El Khannouss sent a long-range effort over the bar with only six minutes on the clock.

Mittelstädt breaks deadlock

VfB were in front just 60 seconds later, however, as Grischa Prömel’s low cross from the right found its way to Maximilian Mittelstädt, who slammed a first-time strike into the roof of the net to make it 1-0.

El Khannouss heavily involved

Bremen started seeing more of the ball as the half wore on, but Stuttgart could have doubled their lead on 18 minutes when El Khannouss managed to get on the end of a wicked Mittelstädt cross – only to send his header straight at goalkeeper Karl Hein.

Chris Führich fired a Jamie Leweling cross over the bar three minutes later, before El Khannouss saw his curling effort towards the bottom corner pushed around the post by Hein (28’) as VfB went into half-time 1-0 to the good.

Woodwork comes to Werder’s rescue 

Stuttgart custodian Dennis Seimen pulled off a magnificent save at the feet of Youri Regeer six minutes into the second half, but VfB continued to threaten and went within a whisker of a second goal when Mittelstädt struck the outside of the post following a clever corner routine.

Tense finish

The visitors began to commit more men forward in the closing stages as they sought a late equaliser. VfB’s defence held firm, though, as Hoeneß’ charges claimed their fourth league win of the season to move into the top half of the table ahead of Sunday’s Matchday 9 fixtures.

Goal 

7^th minute – 1-0: Prömel’s low cross is thumped into the roof of the net by Mittelstädt to give VfB an early lead – and earn Hoeneß’ troops all three points. 

Reaction:

Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß: “We knew it would be a difficult task today against Werder Bremen. In the first half, we managed to execute a large part of our game plan. We scored an early goal and won the ball back time and time again. You could tell we’ve had a couple of very tough weeks with a lot of games, which is why I’m so proud of the boys for the way they performed and got the three points.”

Full-back Maximilian Mittelstädt: “It was a very important game for us, which makes it all the more satisfying to come away with all three points. We’ve now won back-to-back Bundesliga games, which was incredibly important ahead of the international break.”

Midfielder and full Bundesliga debutant Yanik Spalt: “It was a hard-earned win. We gave our all and deserved the win, in my opinion. It was my first Bundesliga start – it’s an incredible feeling.”