The Bundesliga new boys popped up dangerously in front of Sven Ulreich’s goal after just three minutes, but the shot from Hajime Hosogai was deflected away from goal.Just second later, the 3,000 travelling VfB fans were to be shocked again, just as they were against Mainz early on last weekend. The ball was played through to Marcel Njdeng, who was felled by the onrushing Sven Ulreich and referee Guido Winkmann awarded the penalty, which Nando Rafael tucked away neatly to make it 1-0 for FCA.

Difficulties for VfB

VfB had problems finding a way back into the game and made too many errors early on. The first chance for Stuttgart fell to Martin Harnik in the 17th minute but the striker’s effort was easily covered by Simon Jentzsch in the Augsburg goal. Soon after, the 35-year-old keeper was called into action again to deal with a shot from Tamas Hajnal, following some excellent work by Gotoku Sakai. VfB had their tails up and were soon to be rewarded for their efforts. From a Hajnal corner, Serdar Tasci climbed highest to head into the top corner and equalise for the visitors.

There was now tempo in the tie from both sides, although the tie remained fair from both sides as well as both sets of supporters. The VfB fateful then had reason to cheer again in the 34th minute! Hajnal played a wonderful ball through to Harnik, who controlled the pass excellently in spite of the best efforts of two defenders, and slotted home to make it 2-1 to VfB going into the break. It was the front mans 15th goal of the season!

VfB turn the tie

The second period was to prove somewhat less eventful than the first. FCA looked to press forward and find an equaliser whilst VfB held on to the narrow lead, looked solid at the back and hit on the break when the opportunity arose. The patience of Bruno Labbadia’s men was to pay off in the 84th minute, when a rare VfB attack was finished off stylishly by Vedad Ibisevic, to make the final score 3-1 in favour of VfB Stuttgart.