Three points in Europa League opener

Sebastian Hoeneß’s side dominated proceedings at a sold-out MHP Arena, attacking with pace and pinning their opponents back deep inside their own half.

Two chances in quick succession

The hosts created their first golden opportunity after just nine minutes. Lorenz Assignon’s cross from the right found Chema, whose header was parried by goalkeeper Ionut Radu. Jamie Leweling was first to the rebound but smashed his shot over the bar from a central position inside the box.

Enforced change

Finn Jeltsch was forced off through injury on 25 minutes, with Luca Jaquez coming on in his stead. Stuttgart continued to control the game but struggled to carve out further openings against the well organised Liga side.

Radu denies Assignon

Assignon tested Radu again six minutes before the break, the Celta custodian producing a magnificent save to prevent VfB from going into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

Bouanani strikes

The visitors’ resistance was finally broken six minutes after the restart. Badredine Bouanani collected Alex Nübel’s long clearance before calmly lifting the ball over Radu, sending the home fans into ecstasy.

El Khannouss doubles lead

Things got even better for VfB midway through the second half when Bilal El Khannouss sent a low shot into the right-hand corner to double the home side’s advantage (68’). Borja Iglesias capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 2-1 with four minutes remaining, but Celta were unable to complete the fightback as VfB held on for a richly deserved victory.

Goals

51^st minute: Bouanani catches Radu off his line from Nübel’s long clearance and lifts a perfectly weighted lob over the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

68^th minute: El Khannouss plays a one-two from a corner before cutting inside and whipping a low shot inside the right-hand post.

86^th minute: Atakan Karazor is caught in possession and Ilaix Moriba plays the ball into Iglesias, who leaves Nübel grasping at thin air.