Hamburger SV
VfB Stuttgart
| 0-1 | Ibisevic | (31. Min) |
Raphael Holzhauser
Stats 
William Kvist in action.
Exceptional performance in Hamburg
Following the international break, VfB put on an exceptional performance away to Hamburger SV, dominated the game particularly in the first half and sealed the 1-0 (1-0) win thanks to a Vedad Ibisevic strike.
Coach Bruno Labbadia made one change to the side that drew 2-2 against Leverkusen a fortnight ago, with captain Serdar Tasci returning to replace Maza in the defence.
The game at the Imtech Arena, in front of a 53,128 strong crowd, got off to a pacy start, with VfB proving present and alert from the outset. With HSV also looking to get forward, there was plenty for more than just the 1,200 travelling Stuttgart fans to enjoy.
VfB take the lead
The away fans saw their side come close to taking the lead with just a quarter hour on the clock as Raphael Holzhauser first fed Christian Gentner, who in turn played square to Vedad Ibisevic, but the striker was unable to test the HSV keeper.
Soon after, Christian Gentner tried his luck from 20 meters out but drove his shot wide of the mark (19’). By midway through the half, Bruno Labbadia’s men were in charge of the tie. Bruno Labbadia’s men were unable to find a clear way through up front but were all the while rock solid at the back and prevented HSV from getting close to Sven Ulreich’s goal.
VfB coach Bruno Labbadia: “The win was good for us as we move into mid-table"
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It took until the 31st minute, but VfB were finally rewarded for their efforts. Christian Gentner played a pass through to Martin Harnik, who pulled the ball back from the by-line to find Ibisevic, and the Bosnia international got a toe in ahead of his marker to make it 1-0 for VfB. The visitors then had luck on their side as Milan Badelj slammed a shot against the crossbar. The rebound was headed home by Artjoms Rudnevs, but from an offside position and the goal didn’t stand (45’). As a result, VfB took their lead into the break.
Christian Gentner performed strongly in Hamburg.
After the re-start, the bulk of the home supporters expected to see the home side put the pressure on, but it was VfB that continued where they had left off in the first period. Firstly, Martin Harnik had a brace of chances (46’ and 47’), before the Austrian played a well weighted pass to Ibrahima Traoré, but the Guinean international was knocked out of his stride by Dennis Diekmeier and failed to make a telling connection.
Then it was HSV that rose their game once again, as substitute Maximilian Beister tested Ulreich with a low drive, which the keeper palmed away and the resulting header by Marcell Jansen sailed over the crossbar (58’).
Holzhauser goes close
The next scene of interest saw Raphael Holzhauser display a flash of his talent, as he twice twisted past his marker in the penalty area before driving a shot towards the far post. Unfortunately the youngsters effort drifted just wide of the upright.
Shortly afterwards, Ibrahima Traoré went close (71’) and at the other end, Raphael van der Vaart tried his luck from distance but Sven Ulreich got a hand up and averted the danger (73’). Five minutes later, Ulreich was called upon again, this time denying Beister (78’). In the end, VfB played out their advantage and took a well deserved 1-0 win back from Hamburg.
