Gladbach’s coach Adi Hütter trusted the starting line-up from the win in Wolfsburg before the international break, while VfB coach Pellegrino Matarazzo relied on goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, who recently tested positive for corona. The 26-year-old ended the domestic isolation in coordination with the authorities only on Friday.
In total, the Swabians complained about six corona cases in the past two weeks. Including regular goalkeeper Florian Müller, who, like Orel Mangala, Roberto Massimo, Waldemar Anton and Erik Thommy, is in quarantine at home.
The Gladbachers wanted to take advantage of the opponent’s personal need immediately and, in front of 41,608 spectators, shifted into forward gear right from the start. Manu Kone aimed too high (11th), Luca Netz failed to Bredlow (12th).
The guests were more efficient and took the lead with their first serious attack. Mavropanos scored against Yann Sommer from a distance, it was the defensive player’s third goal of the season.
After falling behind, the Gladbach team immediately took control again, but had a hard time against VfB’s tightly staggered defense. Striker Breel Embolo lacked the space to show off his speed.
Matthias Ginter, on the other hand, had a lot of space. The national player switched from the chain of three on the right side again and again into the game forward and just missed the Stuttgart goal with his finish (18th).
Despite their superiority, the hosts almost had to accept the next goal. After a bad pass from Kone, Tanguy Coulibaly appeared free before summer, but his lob was much too hasty and went well over it (31st).
Gladbach continued to run, but the foals’ game lacked a bit of speed and creativity. Nevertheless, Mavropanos almost hit his own goal, but Bredlow reacted strongly (38th). The goalkeeper was also there against the net (41st).
But a minute later he was powerless. National player Hofmann scored from the edge of the penalty area and thus underpinned his strong form of the past few weeks.
After the change, the same picture: Gladbach dominated, Stuttgart lurked for mistakes and counterattacks. Lars Stindl was too surprised after a sharp cross from Ginter (51.).
Hütter brought fresh offensive forces in Patrick Herrmann and Alassane Plea (66th). Stuttgart continued to defend attentively.
(sid)
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