Stuttgart's 0:2 in Istanbul: Lots of emotions, no luck in the end for VfB

Just before kick-off, the stadium became almost completely silent. After the death of Spanish second division professional Jesús de Miguel from CD Tenerife, both teams observed a minute's silence.

15 minutes later, the Lions fans had already roared twice. The spectators in the stadium sang and danced, and even in the press box some reporters raised their arms.

VfB, who still have seven points, played a key role in Istanbul's ecstasy. When the score was 1-0, a failed clearance attempt by Jeff Chabot, who was playing his 100th competitive game for the Swabians, landed right at Batrakov. Goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, who was allowed to replace Dennis Seimen, was no longer able to fend off the ball that was shot into the top corner.

At 2-0, the Stuttgart defense was caught off guard by a long pass from Davinson Sánchez. Batrakov suddenly found himself free in front of Bredlow and shot the ball through the VfB goalkeeper's legs from half-right. Stuttgart, where Atakan Karazor was shown an early yellow card after kicking Victor Osimhen's ankle, could hardly have got off to a much worse start.

What was particularly bitter for VfB was that Jamie Leweling missed a great chance to take the lead when the score was 0-0. After a cross from Chris Führich, who was very active overall, the winger hit the left post, from there the ball bounced to the right, but not over the line. Führich shot just wide shortly before the break, but there were no more opportunities in the first half against the home defense around former Bundesliga players Ismail Jakobs (1. FC Köln) and Roland Sallai (SC Freiburg).

The Swabians can hardly cope with the emotional force from the stands

“You have to deliver a special performance here in Istanbul,” VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß emphasized before the game. “You have to do it physically, mentally, but of course also tactically.” However, the Swabians could hardly cope with the emotional force from the stands. The Galatasaray supporters even responded to the chants of the VfB fans housed in the upper corner of the stadium with shrill whistles, as did the Stuttgart ball relay team.

“Of course we know that there will be many disruptive factors on the pitch, off the pitch, from outside,” Stuttgart left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt, who was allowed to start for Luca Jaquez, said before the game. The proof was provided by the formation of a pack as a result of a heated duel between Baris Yilmaz and Führich, which ended up in touch after a push. A number of players and coaches got involved. In the end, Yilmaz and Undav, who was the first VfB player to take part, saw yellow.

After the break it was VfB's turn, but Führich, Undav and substitute Dzenan Pejcinovic missed their best chances. When the ball was actually in the goal after Führich's fine flick, Undav was offside when he hit the crossbar before. Almost nothing came offensively from home coach Okan Buruk's team, who substituted German international Leroy Sané in the 77th minute. It was still enough for the second win in the league phase.