Thanks to the debut victory on the rough Ostalb, VfB Stuttgart has underlined its European Cup ambitions. With the 3:1 (2:1), coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team put their fans in the Advent mood and plunged 1. FC Heidenheim deeper into the negative spiral.
Maximilian Mittelstädt (20th), Enzo Millot (45th + 2) and Nick Woltemade with a converted penalty (85th) ensured that Stuttgart were able to convert their Champions League momentum from 5-1 against Bern into a success. Paul Wanner (41′) initially gave the hosts hope with his impressive equaliser, before Woltemade made everything clear.
In the end there was Heidenheim’s sixth defeat in a row in the Bundesliga. While VfB can prepare for the end of the year against FC St. Pauli in a good mood, the badly hit Heidenheimers came under even greater pressure before the appearance in Bochum. There is a risk of overwintering in the relegation zone. On Thursday they will play against FC St. Gallen.
Schmidt: Criticism a “sign of strength”
After the defeat in the Conference League on Thursday in Istanbul (1:3), Frank Schmidt and his team were harshly criticized – and defended himself for his clear criticism before the game against VfB. “Why can’t we just address things as they are?” he justified himself on DAZN. “I think it’s a sign of strength when you’re allowed to criticize,” said the coach: “If you play shit and don’t criticize anymore, then all alarm bells should go off.”
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In the midst of their unusual negative phase, the Heidenheim team fought their way into the game in the state derby and at times proved to be an unpleasant opponent as expected. Many fouls stopped the flow of the game. However, Stuttgart exposed their deficits and scored their first goal thanks to their efficiency.
Woltemade held his own against FCH captain Patrick Mainka and set up for Mittelstädt, who converted with confidence. The guests’ first dangerous attack scene led to the score being 1-0. Unlike last time against Bern and Union, this time VfB did not fall behind and controlled the game.
VfB shows reaction to equalization
Before the surprising equalizer from the hosts, who had been harmless for a long time, the Stuttgart team almost doubled down. But a free kick from around 20 meters from Chris Führich hit the post. FCH’s celebration was preceded by VfB’s loss of the ball during the build-up to the game. VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel had his hand on Wanner’s long-range shot, but was unable to fend it off.
Millot’s mistake led to the remarkable goal – but the midfielder made amends before the break. First he failed because of Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller. He then headed in a deflected cross from Josha Vagnoman.
With the enthusiasm from the renewed lead, the Hoeneß team initially pushed for the third goal in the second half. But the Stuttgart team missed out on chances of making the presumed decision – especially through Millot. So the equalizer remained possible for the Heidenheimers. A cross from Marnon Busch missed the aluminum with just under a quarter of an hour to go. Shortly afterwards, Nübel had to rescue people in dire need. In the end, Woltemade rewarded himself for his good performance and made everything clear from the point.