VfB Stuttgart missed victory in the first Champions League game in 14 years!

VfB Stuttgart missed victory in the first Champions League game in 14 years!

The return of VfB Stuttgart to the Champions League was overshadowed by a disappointing draw against Sparta Prague. In the stadium filled with 60,000 spectators, the team could not win the hoped -for victory after a long 14 years. Despite an early tour of Enzo Millot in the seventh minute, which brightened the mood in the arena, the game ended with a 1-1. This result brings VfB only a lean point after two match days and lets the hopes for a successful start.

The banner with the inscription "Back in Europe" in the fan curve signaled denfans the immense anticipation for the first home game in the premier class for almost 15 years. Captain Atakan Karazor spoke of a "brutal" anticipation, which was also reflected in the faces of the fans. However, the euphoria was quickly clouded when Kaan equalized for the Czech guests in the 32nd minute. The goal was a long -distance shot that hissed to the surprise of all the right upper corner.

a game full of opportunities and needs

Millot, who already played Groß at the Bundesliga game against Borussia Dortmund, scored the first goal with a header after a flank by Maximilian Mittelstädt, but could not prevent Sparta from acting more powerful in the further course of the game. The Stuttgart defense had to tremble several times, especially when Martin Vitik only hit the post, which the happiness on the Swabians clearly tested. In the first half it became clear that Stuttgart had difficulty bringing the usual dynamics into play.

The second half began promising for VfB, which could increase the pressure. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß changed the formation, exchanged Himbed Demirovic against Chris Führich and adapted the offensive game. Stuttgart dominated the action, but the highlights failed to materialize. Alexander Nübel, the goalkeeper of VfB, kept his team from a deficit several times and held some decisive shots, including one of Veljko Birmancevic, who was dangerously close to the goal.

The offensive of the Stuttgart tried to maintain the pressure on Sparta and tirelessly searched for the second goal, but the clear chances failed to do. The game finally ended without further goals, which is reminiscent of the last Champions League home game against FC Barcelona in 2010-also a 1: 1.

The previous balance of VfB in the group phase shows that Hoeneß's men urgently need to work on their efficiency in order to be able to survive in international competition. The coming matchday will be crucial to lay the foundation for better performance. On this public return to the European stage, it is clear that fans require better performance and hope that the next games will carry more positive things.

For more information on this game and the further development of VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League, The report of www.radiohagen.de a source worth reading.