VfB began the game against the 'Rothosen' with an unchanged eleven to the side that began in last weekend’s 3-1 win away to Köln. The new found energy taken from the win in Cologne was clear to see right from the start from VfB Stuttgart and with just six minutes on the clock, the home side were in front. Martin Harnik sent captain Cacau on his way and the German international powered forward before slotting coolly past Frank Rost to Make it 1-0.
 
And VfB kept the pressure on. Cacau sought out Shinji Okazaki at the back post but having controlled the ball excellently on his chest, the Japanese international turned his shot narrowly wide of the post. Minutes later, Cacau was involved again, feeding Tamas Hajnal, who also shot wide of the mark. If there was one negative observation to be made about Labbadia’s in the first 45 minutes, it was that they didn’t make enough use of the chances they had, which meant VfB went in at half-time just leading by the odd goal.

Ulreich to the recue
 
The half time break didn’t interrupt VfB’s flow and soon after the re-start, Frank Rost had to be alert to first save from Martin Harnik and just seconds later clear from the feet of the on-rushing Cacau. At the other end, in the 63rd minute, VfB keeper Sven Ulreich had to be at his best to prevent an equaliser. A shot from Paolo Guerrero was deflected into the path of Ben-Hatira, who only had the keeper to beat, but Ulreich reacted brilliantly to avert the danger.
 
With HSV looking to get more control of the match, VfB raised their game a further notch. Tamas Hajnal took possession in midfield before threading through to Christain Gentner. Who kept his cool to beat Rost and make it 2-0. The second goal appeared to break HSV’s will and VfB began to look ever more comfortable.