VfB Stuttgart, who are currently struggling with a few Corona cases, drew 1-1 in Mönchengladbach. Certainly too little for the Foals, as they invested more in the game.
Things were going really well for Gladbach before the international break, with wins against top teams Dortmund (1-0) and Wolfsburg (3-1). Therefore, Fohlen coach Adi Hütter saw no reason to change his starting eleven.
It was a slightly different story for Stuttgart, as the Swabians had to deal with a number of Corona cases in the run-up to the match. Thus, VfB coach Pellegrino Matarazzo had to make three changes after the 3:1 against Hoffenheim: Bredlow, Ito and Nartey started for regular keeper Müller, Anton and Mangala (all three COVID-19).
Gladbach make the game, Stuttgart score
With the confidence from their two recent victories behind them, Gladbach started very dominantly. However, the first chances by Koné (11th) and Netz (12th) were not taken. The home side made the game – and VfB scored out of nowhere: Mavropanos’ great shot hit unstoppable for Sommer in the bottom left corner (15.).
Hofmann’s volley is on target
The goal had left its mark. Gladbach had a chance through Ginter shortly after the goal (18th), but otherwise struggled against a very compact Swabia team. Stuttgart did really well in this phase, Coulibaly even had a great chance to make it 2:0, but his lob was too high (31.). Borussia needed some time after the goal, but came back shortly before the break. Bredlow prevented an own goal by Mavropanos (38th) and was also on guard when Netz scored (41st). In the 42nd minute, the VfB substitute keeper was powerless when Hofmann’s great volley hit the right corner for a 1-1 half-time score.
Fohlen not compelling enough
Gladbach were also more active after the break, Stindl (51.) and Koné (55.) had their first goals. Stuttgart continued to concentrate more on defence and VfB did not score much in front. The Foals did more, but they were not compelling enough either. Substitute Plea was first blocked (69th) and then failed to beat Bredlow (78th). Towards the end, the Swabians became more courageous and Führich had the best chance for the visitors after the break, but Sommer was on his toes (84). It all looked like a draw, when Embolo had another chance: After a too short return, he pointed the ball towards the goal, Bredlow was on the post (90.+4).
In the end, it remained a draw, with which Borussia can certainly live worse, because they invested more. Gladbach’s next matchday is the top game at Hertha on Saturday evening (18.30). Stuttgart can certainly live with the point and will host Union Berlin on Sunday (5.30 pm).
