Trainer Bruno Labbadia made two changes to the side which began in Berlin a fortnight ago. Back from suspension, Khalid Boulahrouz returned to the starting eleven in place of Stefano Celozzi and Christian Gentner began in role of playmaker, getting the nod ahead of Tamas Hajnal. 

Right from the outset, the home side made it clear that they intended to ensure the points stayed in Stuttgart. After just five minutes, Boulahrouz tested H96 keeper Ron-Robert Zieler with a deflected shot from 17 meters out and five minutes later, the home fans had an opening goal to celebrate. Martin Harnik brought a delivery from the right, which found Shinji Okazaki, who, at the second attempt, drove the ball into the top of the net from close range to make it 1-0 – an advantage which Labbadia’s men would take into the break.

Seconds later, Okazaki turned H96 captain Cherundolo inside out 

Shortly after the re-start, Sven Ulreich had the opportunity to show what he is capable of. Lars Stindl played a low pass to Ya Konan, who shot on the turn, but the VfB keeper was quick to avert the danger, managing also to prevent a rebound from Stindl from causing any concern. Shortly after, at the other end, Kuzmanovic set up a free-kick from17 meters out but drove his effort high over the target. The Serbian international tried his luck again minutes later but on this occasion the keeper was equal to the effort. In the 61st minute, Cristian Molinaro broke down the left and then hammered a cross into the centre, where Serdar Tasci narrowly missed out. Seconds later Okazaki, turned H96 captain Cherundolo inside out and crossed but Harnik’s header proved off the mark.