A first half Florian Klein strike gave VfB Stuttgart all three points against HSV at the Imtech Arena in a crucial relegation 'six-pointer'. Despite being reduced to ten men, after Georg Niedermeier was sent off early in the second half, Huub Stevens men managed to hold onto the lead which ended a run of three consecutive home victories for Die Rothosen. This evening's victory for VfB Stuttgart is their third in their last four visits to the Imtech Arena.
Die Schwaben were dominant throughout and reduced the hosts to efforts from long range. The Austrian full backs goal in the first half capped off a great period for Stuttgart, as they had gone close on numerous occasions through Christian Gentner and Alexandru Maxim. Stevens resisted the urge to change personel after Niedermeier was given his marching orders; only late on did the Dutchman bring on substitutes in Timo Werner and Daniel Ginczek.
Josef Zinnbauer commented after the game, "The defeat is a blow. We didn't apply enough pressure on our opponents". Zinnbauer's captain, Rafael Van der Vaart added, "It was a bitter one to take" but the experienced Dutchman also had a message to the Imtech Arena faithful; "I don't understand why why the fans whistle after 25 minutes, I think we have fought."
Huub Stevens was clearly pleased with his sides result, "Being outnumbered, the focus was on keeping the result. The guys showed a very good defensive performance". The goalscorer, Klein commented, "We are very happy with the win".
The victory shows what Stuttgart are capable of, if they perform well; however, it must be said that has been a rare happening this season. The same can be said for HSV, they sometimes perform but not often enough for a club of their stature. The fact remains both sides remain in the midst of a relegation fight. The 'Hinrunde' is just around the corner and it's been one to forget for both sides; both sets of supporters will be hoping for much better come the start of January.
The result see's the visitors climb above Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and SC Freiburg into 15th place onto the same amount of points as tonights opponents Hamburg. For Josef Zinnbauer and HSV, they remain in 14th place; but the chasing pack has a chance to gain points on Die Rothosen. For their final match in the 'Hinrunde' HSV travel to the Veltins Arena to take on Schalke, whilst for Stuttgart it's a home match against SC Paderborn.