Gotoku Sakai in action during the game.
VfB progress despite defeat
In front of a crowd of 15,500 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, VfB went down 0-1 (0-1) to Molde FK but in spite of the defeat, Bruno Labbadia’s men have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Europa League competition.
During the game, Christian Gentner & Co. only managed to impress in the second half but even then couldn’t find the target. In the end though, only progression to the ‘Round of 32’ counts.
VfB made a strong start but were unable to create any clear openings, with either the final pass proving too inaccurate or the Molde defence closing down anything that looked like causing a problem.
Traoré goes for goal
The Norwegians though had by no means set out a totally defensive stall but were equally as ineffective as the hosts. The first effort on goal was eventually noted in the 15th minute, but Ibrahima Traoré’s effort failed to make the breakthrough for his side. At the other end, Molde promptly registered their first shot on goal, but Sven Ulreich was able to stop Jo Inge Berge’s effort from seven meters.
Shortly before the break, Vedad Ibisevic tried his luck but was again to prove unsuccessful (43’). With added time at the end of the first period having been announced, Molde then broke away and took a shock lead through Davy Claude Angan – sending VfB into the break trailing by 0-1.
VfB coach Bruno Labbadia: "In the first half we failed to do what we had set out to do"
Post match comments
Control, but no goals!
Right from the restart, VfB raised their game ad within two minutes had two attempts on goal from first Shinji Okazaki and then Martin Harnik (46’ and 47’). Early in the second period, both sides set up camp in the visitor’s half, with VfB under pressure to become active and Molde happy to allow VfB the bulk of the possession.
The possession for the home side was transferred into chances on goal, but there was no way past the Norwegian defence. Firstly Martin Harnik was denied by keeper Epsen Pettersen (57’) and then, from the edge of the box, Ibrahima Traoré could only find the outside netting (64’).
In the 84th minute, two players ended up in the back of the net, but the shot from Vedad Ibisevic rolled wide of the post. In spite of his lack of activity in the second half, Sven Ulreich had to be wide awake in the 86th minute to save from Etzaz Hussain.
The result was to remain 0-1, but VfB Stuttgart had fortune on their side and progress to the knockout stages of the competition as Copenhagen could only play out draw with Bucharest. As second placed side in the group, Bruno Labbadia’s men will initially be at home in the Mercedes-Benz Arena for the first leg of the ‘Round of 32’. Possible opponents could be Chelsea, Benfica or Olympiakos Piräus.
