Empty-handed in Cologne

Match summary:

Köln started the game with a spring in their step, pinning the cautious visitors back inside their own half. However, VfB gained a foothold as the first half progressed and could have taken a 12^th-minute lead through Mateo Klimowicz, but the 21-year-old midfielder missed the target.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side made a bright start to the second half but faded in the final 20 minutes of the match. The hosts increased the pressure in the latter stages and scored the only goal of the game in the 89^thminute when Kingsley Schindler was given time and space to swing in a cross, allowing the unmarked Anthony Modeste to head home.

The 1-0 defeat means Stuttgart end the first half of the campaign in 16^th place in the Bundesliga.

Goals:

89^th minute: Schindler is afforded too much space on the right-hand side and manages to pick out Modeste, who sends an unstoppable header past Florian Müller and into the far corner.

Reaction:

VfB head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo: “It took us a bit of time in the first half to find our feet defensively. Both teams worked hard in the second half, then we conceded a late goal – we didn’t get close enough to the man and the ball ends up in the corner. A draw would have been deserved, but now we have to go back home without a point. We’ve always shown that we can fight our way out of setbacks. I’d have liked to see us end the first half of the season with a positive result.”

Florian Müller: “We’re making too many mistakes and often giving the ball away – it’s clear that you’re going to concede at some point. It’s obviously still extremely disappointing that the goal came so late in the game. We’ve got to work hard during the break. Everyone has to be aware of what’s at stake. We’re a good team, we just have to show it on the pitch.”