VfB Stuttgart misses dream start in the Champions League: 1-1 against Sparta

Von WOM

VfB Stuttgart was unable to win his fans in the first Champions League home game after more than 14 years. In the duel against Sparta Prague, the encounter ended on Tuesday evening in the Stuttgart Arena 1: 1. After two game days in the new league, the German runner -up only has one point on the account. Previously, the Stuttgart had to accept an unfortunate defeat against Real Madrid.

In front of 60,000 spectators, Enzo Millot brought VfB in the lead in the seventh minute and thus created an euphoric mood among fans. But the goal of Millot, who was already shining against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga game, did not quite reflect the course of the game. Sparta Prague equalized through a gate by Kaan Cairinen in the 32nd minute, which gave the team of coach Erik Friis the deserved compensation.

emotions and support of the fans

Back in the premier class - this was expressed with a large banner in the fan curve. The return to European competition was an emotional experience for Stuttgart. It was the first time in 5334 days that the Hymn of the Champions League sounded in the home arena. Captain Atakan Karazor spoke of a "brutal" anticipation that was clearly felt on both the square and in the stadium.

The initial phase of the game was characterized by a quick game. Millot used a cross from Maximilian Mittelstädt and headed to 1-0. Despite this early lead, Sparta was part of the more active team and almost equalized through a post shot by Martin Vitik (13th minute). In the further course of the first half, the Czechs remained dangerous and met the aluminum again in the 39th minute.

VfB Stuttgart under pressure, nübel shines

After the half -time break, it turned out that the game did not get easier for the Stuttgart. The attacker Veljko Birmancevic had the opportunity to put the guests in the lead, but failed to VfB keeper Alexander Nübel (55.). In this phase of the game, however, Stuttgart seemed to have more control.

Coach Sebastian Hoeneß reacted to the Situation and brought Chris Leader in particular to bring a breath of fresh air to the offensive. Deniz Undav was converted from a hanging tip to the sole tip. Stuttgart measured a second goal, but often remained lucky in front of the opponent's goal and could not coins their chances into countable.

The game finally ended like a former home game of the Stuttgart in the Champions League when a 1-1 scored against FC Barcelona. The distribution of points and the game shown give hope for an exciting Champions League season. VfB Stuttgart is now under pressure to collect points in the upcoming games to assert itself in the group, and will do everything possible to put the positive aspects in the foreground while you have to work on the weaknesses at the same time.