Hertha BSC
VfB Stuttgart
| 0-1 | Gentner | (49. Min) |
Vedad Ibisevic
Stats 
Christian Gentner scores against Hertha BSC Berlin.
Away win in Berlin
The first half of VfB’s outing in Berlin left a lot to be desired but the second period proved far more entertaining – and more importantly than anything else, Thomas Schneider’s side got the decisive 1-0 winner. Captain Christian Gentner got his name on the score-sheet and, together with the heroics of Sven Ulreich, helped VfB Stuttgart to their first away win of the 2013/2014 season.
Thomas Schneider saw no reason to make any changes to the eleven that began in the 6-2 win over TSG Hoffenheim, but his side needed quite some time in front of the 45,000 in Berlin’s ‚Olympiastadium‘ to get their game flowing. It took until the 18th minute before the fans in the stadium saw the first true shot on goal, with Änis Ben-Hatira letting fly from 16 meters but not troubling Sven Ulreich. Ronny got a shot away soon after but pulled his effort wide of the mark (19’).
VfB with the best chance of the half
VfB struggled to get their game moving forward and managed to create little by way of attack, but the defence looked incredibly solid and the bulk of Berlin’s pressing forward was easily dealt with. In the 40th minute, Schneider’s men then had the best chance of the half, when a free kick fired in by Alexandru Maxim found Christian Gentner, who powered a header on goal from a tight angle, only to see Hertha keeper Kraft make a formidable save with a lightening quick reaction to turn the ball over the bar. As a result, the sides went in at the break locked at 0-0.
Christian Gentner puts VfB in front
There were no changes made by either side at the break but VfB looked more menacing at the beginning of the second 45 minutes, just as had been demanded of them by the trainer. VfB’s more courageous and determined approach was soon to pay dividends. With just four minutes played, another whipped delivery to the front post by Alexandru Maxim was met by Gentner, who this time left the Hertha keeper no chance as VfB took a 1-0 lead.
Thomas Schneider: "That was a really tough battle." Post match comments
Hertha answered with aggressive attacking and it was only the heroics of Sven Ulreich that prevented the hosts from quickly equalising. In the 66th minute, the VfB keeper reacted brilliantly to turn a headed effort from John-Anthony Brooks over the bar. Hertha pressed, but VfB stood strong!
In the remaining minutes of the game, the hosts attacking efforts began to dwindle and goal-mouth incidents became a rarity. VfB were completely focused on maintaining their shaped and defending stoutly. Shortly before the final whistle, Cacau was introduced to replace Moritz Leitner. Right at the death, the VfB fateful were left gasping when Peter Pekarik came thundering towards Sven Ulreich but the Berlin full-back failed to connect with the loose ball and VfB hung on to secure their first away win of the season.
