VfB Stuttgart secure Bundesliga survival with victory over Hamburger SV
- Rob Fleming
- 6 June 2023
VfB Stuttgart triumphed over Hamburger SV with a convincing 3-1 victory in the second leg of the promotion/relegation play-off, securing a 6-1 aggregate win to retain their place in the Bundesliga.
VfB Stuttgart triumphed over Hamburger SV with a convincing 3-1 victory in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play-off, securing their place in the Bundesliga for the upcoming season. The aggregate score stood at an impressive 6-1 in favour of Stuttgart.
Similar to the first leg, the home team wasted no time in taking the lead. Sonny Kittel found the back of the net for Hamburger SV with a powerful strike from long range in the sixth minute. The hosts continued to dominate, displaying quick ball movement and relentless pressure. While VfB struggled initially, their goal in the 17th minute by Serhou Guirassy was disallowed due to an offside call following a VAR review.
Despite the fast-paced nature of the match, scoring opportunities were scarce. Hamburger SV applied more pressure before half-time, with Robert Glatzel narrowly missing the target in the 40th minute. Florian Müller, VfB's goalkeeper, was forced into action twice during stoppage time.
VfB Stuttgart emerged stronger in the second half and equalized in the 48th minute when Guirassy set up Enzo Millot for a composed finish, levelling the score and injecting a significant psychological boost into Sebastian Hoeneß's team. The Cannstatt boys grew in confidence, taking control of the game and seizing a 2-1 lead when Millot capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Daniel Heuer-Fernandes in the 64th minute.
Despite a spirited fight from Hamburger SV, their chances were limited due to VfB's unwavering commitment. Although Glatzel came close to scoring again in the 75th minute, Stuttgart's resolute defence held firm. In stoppage time, Silas sealed the victory with a third goal, confirming VfB Stuttgart's well-deserved place in the Bundesliga next season.
Celebrating their Bundesliga survival, Stuttgart central defender Waldemar Anton expressed his elation to the media, stating, "A lot of pressure has been lifted after these two games. We invested a lot throughout the season, we didn't always play well and we had to deal with setbacks. But in the end, we managed to turn things around together. We're just delighted that we can all celebrate the fact that we're staying up together."
