A lot of effort – little return. This is how VfB Stuttgart’s home comeback against Sparta Prague could be summed up. Despite an early lead, VfB couldn’t get more than a 1-1 draw against the Czechs. Especially in the second half, the Swabians were clearly the dominant team, but despite having 75 percent of the ball, they failed to score the second goal.
VfB Stuttgart welcomed the Czech champions Sparta Prague early on Tuesday evening for their first Champions League home game since 2010. After the strong performance on the first match day at Real Madrid, the German runner-up was under pressure against Sparta. In Madrid, VfB unfortunately had to admit defeat 1:3.
We are back!#vfb #VfBACS #UCL pic.twitter.com/jqtolKk7Cr
— BodenseeSchwabe (@pat_geiger) October 1, 2024
You go to the stadium as usual, and then suddenly your club is playing in the Champions League. #VfB #UCL #VfBACS pic.twitter.com/V6P4UnThOt
— Tilo Berner (@_TiloBerner) October 1, 2024
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß would certainly have imagined the start of the game to be different – as strange as that may sound despite Enzo Millot’s quick 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. Because the guests from Prague were the much more dangerous team. VfB, on the other hand, made an unusually large number of inaccuracies in their passing and seemed a bit nervous. Millot’s header goal came almost out of nowhere.
As the first half progressed, the Swabians increasingly found their controlled style of play. Prague was now deeper and allowed VfB to combine. However, the home team did not get into many dangerous final situations. Only Deniz Undav had a chance to make it 2-0 when he ran towards Sparta keeper Vindahl after a ball behind the advanced defensive line.
On the other hand, the guests were repeatedly dangerous with their straight forward game. Sparta had two aluminum hits. The equalizer in the 32nd minute was therefore deserved – even if it came during VfB’s most dominant phase. Kairinen circled a free kick perfectly over the wall into the top corner. Alexander Nübel still had his fingertips on it, but he couldn’t prevent the impact. And so it went into the break with a score of 1:1.
The VfB fans weren’t really happy with their team’s game in the first 45 minutes. There was a lot of respect for the opponent: on the pitch and in the stands! DAZN’s half-time analysis received less respect…
What the guest block from Prague is seeing here is amazing. By far the best guest supporters I have experienced in 267 games here in the stadium. You’re almost spoiled after what happened at the last home game, where you didn’t even notice the guests #VfBACS
— KSVStuttgart (@ksvstuttgart) October 1, 2024
Stable away block. #VfBACS pic.twitter.com/EqWwEMrw2k
— Vertical Pass (@verticalpass) October 1, 2024
Not a good performance. It’s all in your head – we played much more freely against a much better opponent like Dortmund. Just play our game in the second half and we’ll win. #VfBACS
— Kuranyi sei Oma (@KuranyiSeiOma) October 1, 2024
Prague is a really strong opponent. They are very compact and switch brutally. The #VfB Under no circumstances is it allowed to give out more gifts in the second half. That was far too unfocused. Stenzel doesn’t get it and has to be replaced by Chase. #VfBACS
— Martinho_Schwobaseggl (@MSchwobaseggl) October 1, 2024
Best half-time analysis in a long time! What Dazn delivers is really bottomless given the price😅 #VfB #VfBACS
— WE (@_shadesofdark) October 1, 2024
35 euros a month is completely justified. Everything invested in the studio #premiumproduct #CL #DAZN #VfB #VfBACS pic.twitter.com/3v6HUbXubc
— sharpster (@nickvergessen23) October 1, 2024
#dazn Originally there is no staff in Stuttgart. Except the two heroes in the stands. No interviews about the Halbzeot, nothing. #VfBACS #UEFAChampionsLeague
— 1893forever (@1893vfbforever) October 1, 2024
In the second half, VfB started with a great chance for Millot. However, the Frenchman missed his brace because Vindahl initially played the ball into Millot’s feet, but was then able to correct his mistake in a one-on-one. On the other hand, Nübel had to parry a shot from the penalty spot a little later.
As the game progressed, Prague retreated significantly again – after the 3-0 opening win against Salzburg, the guests could be satisfied with a point in Stuttgart. VfB tried to combine against the well-organized defense, but found it very difficult. Hoeneß relied on more offensive power as the game went on: After Führich, El Bilal Touré later came into the game for Karazor and Fabian Rieder came in for Jamie Leweling in the final minutes.
Everything seems to be cramped. You are aware that you have to win if you want to have a chance of making the playoffs. Plus a good offensive opponent, of course. #VfBACS #VfB
— Benjamin Garelly (@DonGarellos) October 1, 2024
The people of Prague are only at the back, but they’re doing a good job. #VfBACS #UCL #VfBACSP
— Absurd_Existence (@Wiesel_Flink) October 1, 2024
This is another game that drives me crazy. Because a lot of effort with little to no return. #VfBacs
— ChampionsLeaguedammit (@_psychoQ_) October 1, 2024
It feels like the game could go on for hours and we won’t shoot any more 😭 #VfBACS
— Paddyyyyy (@Paddiiiii1893) October 1, 2024
But it stayed that way: VfB bit their proverbial teeth and couldn’t score the winning goal. With a view to the knockout round, a home draw against Sparta seems to be not enough. On the other hand, VfB is far from being written off.
