VfB Stuttgart
| 1-0 | Garics [OG] | (68. Min) |
| 2-0 | Werner | (90.+3. Min) |
SV Darmstadt 98
Przemyslaw Tyton
Stats 
Important home victory
VfB were pushed to the limits in securing their second home game of the season. It may not have been pretty, but VfB put on a determined performance against a committed and awkward opponent from Darmstadt, who gave as good as they got over long periods.
The goals were scored in the second half. Christian Gentner fired in a cross to the far post, which György Garics could only turn past his own keeper (68’). VfB then put up a fight against the ‘Lilien’, who forced Przemyslaw Tyton into making some important stops. In injury time, Timo Werner then made it 2-0 to ensure the points remained in Stuttgart (90’ +3).
Personnel
Both first choice selections in defensive midfield were back in the team. Caprian Christian Gentner returned from a four-week injury enforced break to make his 300th Bundesliga appearance, whilst Serey Dié was back from a two-week lay-off. The first eleven also included Emanuel Insua, who missed out in the cup. The new men in the starting eleven meant that Arianit Ferati, Alexandru Maxim and Phillip Heise had to make way.
Highlights
1st minute: Not even a minute is played when Daniel Didavi has his first good chance on goal. The midfielder misses out with a deflected shot on the turn, which Martin Harnik was unable to reach at the back post.
45th minute: Just after Emiliano Insua fired a powerful shot from distance just wide of the post, the referee blows for half-time.
Statement
Daniel Schwaab: "Today’s win was brutally important. We kept our cool, waited for our chance and then made it 2-0 right at the end. That was a really good team performance today."
Post-match comments
68th minute: GOAL: Christian Gentner sends in a cross towards the back post, where György Garics attempts to make a clearance, but only succeeds in heading the ball under his own crossbar.
90th +3 minute: GOAL: VfB do more than just hang on to their narrow leads, with Timo Werner making it 2-0 just shy of the final whistle. The midfielder breaks away on a counter attack, bursts past Junior Diaz and slots home – much to the joy of the bulk of the fans in the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Summary
There are two teams in every game – and in their still young Bundesliga season, new boys SV Darmstadt 98 have learned to stamp their mark on a match, in particular away from home. In an unconventional game, with little by the way of footballing culture, VfB had to pull out all the stops to hang on to all three points at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. And everyone played his part in ensuing the win. On the other hand, VfB confidently implemented their qualities, which were necessary in taking the points. Pretty or not, the second home win brings another three points to boost the VfB Stuttgart account.
