Deserved win in Bratislava

Match summary

VfB appeared focused from the first whistle, keeping things tight at the back and quickly taking a grip on possession. They soon began to carve out chances as Ramon Hendricks headed Chris Führich’s cross narrowly wide in the 15^th minute, before Deniz Undav was denied by an impressive double save from Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takac nine minutes later.

Undav strikes

Five minutes after that, VfB captain Undav collected Angelo Stiller’s pass and arrowed a low shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the area, sending the visiting Stuttgart fans wild. Sebastian Hoeneß’s charges very nearly doubled their lead 11 minutes before half-time, but Josha Vagnoman’s thunderous long-range effort struck the crossbar.

Takac then denied Bilal El Khannouss (44’) and Führich (45’) in quick succession to keep the score at 1-0 going into half-time.

Chances at both ends

Dzenan Pejcinovic was unfortunate not to double VfB’s advantage 13 minutes into the second half when he failed to make proper contact with El Khannouss’ delivery, but the visitors had the crossbar to thank four minutes later as Sandro Cruz’s effort from the edge of the box rattled the woodwork.

Cruz puts through own net

Four minutes later, Cruz put through his own net at the other end to give VfB a two-goal cushion and knock the wind from the home side’s sails once and for all. Ermedin Demirovic put the icing on the cake in the closing stages, nodding home Lorenz Assignon’s teasing cross to complete a 3-0 victory.

Goals

29^th minute – 0-1: Undav collects Stiller’s pass in his stride inside the area and sends a low shot into the bottom right corner.

65^th minute – 0-2: Vagnoman’s attempted cutback is diverted past his own keeper by Cruz.

90^th minute – 0-3: Assignon’s wicked delivery is headed home by Demirovic from five metres out.