Successful start against Stuttgart
The new season begins as the last one ended - with a win!
Wolfsburg - VfL Wolfsburg made a positive start to the new season with a 2-0 (0-0) win over VfB Stuttgart. In front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 at the VOLKSWAGEN ARENA, Zvjezdan Misimovic (71’) and Grafite (82’) decided the tie in the ‘Wolves’ favour.
The spectators in the stadium saw a very evenly matched first half of the game. Both sides put together some nice combinations but neither could find a way past the opposing goalkeeper - with both Jens Lehmann and Diego Benaglio confirming just why they are considered two of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. VfB’s best chance fell to Sami Khedira (16’), whose headed effort was touched against the post by Benaglio, whilst at the other end Lehmann did well to deny Grafite with a strike from close range (34’). The two sides went then into the half-time break in deadlock at 0-0.
After the re-start, both teams continued to play attractive and offensive football but it was the title holders who were to notch up the first goal of the 2009/2010 Bundesliga season. From the right side of the penalty area, Christian Gentner played square to Misimovic, who, from a central position, curled the ball expertly into the left corner. With Stuttgart down to ten men - Christian Träsch was forced out through injury after VfB had already made their three substitutions - Grafite put the game well and truly beyond the visitors. In the 82nd minute, the Brazilian powered into the box from the right side before coolly placing a low shot past the VfB keeper to make the final score 2-0 for VfL.
The game at a glance:
VfL Wolfsburg: Benaglio – Riether, Madlung, Barzagli, Schäfer – Josué - Ziani (86' Dejagah), Misimovic, Gentner – Dzeko, Grafite (88' Esswein)
VfB Stuttgart: Lehmann – Magnin, Delpierre, Tasci, Träsch – Hitzlsperger, Khedira, Hleb (56' Simak), Gebhart (75' Elson) – Pogrebnyak, Cacau (68' Marica)
Goals: 1:0 Misimovic (70.), 2:0 Grafite (81.)
Yellow cards: /
Attendance: 30,000 (VOLKSWAGEN ARENA, sold out)
Referee: Brych, Dr. (München)
