I don’t know about you, but I still watch video clips from the game, from the support on site. I read everything from Süddeutsche to Marca to Gazzetta dello Sport. And I’m still very impressed by VfB’s performance in Madrid.
It was a performance that was a mixture of respect and impudence, as if the coach and players were asking themselves: “Real? Who the fuck is Real?” The fans went to the stadium with this attitude too. They were fully aware of the size of the royal club, the stadium and the game, but without feeling small. Even if the stadium is architecturally breathtaking, the atmosphere of the home crowd is definitely not.
The VfB team and fans fit together like a glove. They pass the ball to each other. First the supporters take over the city, then the Bernabeu. Then the team comes and does the same on the pitch. We saw in the game against the Spanish record champions that VfB Stuttgart can definitely keep up in the Champions League – if they stick to their line:
Rather take a step forward than back.
It’s better to play into the pressure than to go behind and play it safe.
Look for playful solutions rather than hitting the ball high and far just to take a quick breather.
Of course, we also saw that the Real players are individually on a completely different level. But we also saw that VfB was able to hold its own as a passionately playing and defending collective.
Among all those who presented themselves excellently in Madrid, some stood out in particular:
First of all, the fans. It seemed as if only Swabian was spoken in the city. And one thing is certain: the people of Madrid now know all of the Stuttgart songs by heart.
Then of course Deniz Undav, who primarily showed off his loose tongue before and after the game. But he also made an impression on the field. With his goal, of course, but also with his backside, which not only Daniel Carvajal crashed into. Finally, with his nonchalance and game intelligence, which can be seen, among other things, in the brilliant preparation of Angelo Stiller’s big chance.
What else can I say about Enzo Millot? When he passes, three suns rise at once! His ball control: simply prime! Resistance to pressure, overview, feeling for space – you can see that the Champions League is the stage on which he feels comfortable. You almost have to be glad that Real didn’t buy him away straight away.
A year ago, I was one of those who didn’t think Jamie Leweling was a good transfer. From Fürth to Union and only on the bench there – that’s supposed to be a VfB player? Yes, and not only that: he’s a Champions League player! He proved that against Real and he still looks as if he can’t believe it himself.
The development of VfB under Sebastian Hoeneß is incredible, described thousands of times with the journey from 18th place to the Bernabeu. The Süddeutsche Zeitung calls him “Europe’s new fashion coach”. Perhaps he too was thinking: “Real? Who the fuck is Real?” when he decided to let his team play as usual. Not to adapt to the big opponent. Wanting to control the game himself. To give a calling card of his philosophy, of the way he thinks about football. To show what he and VfB stand for.
The fact that he has succeeded in doing this is demonstrated by the recognition that VfB has received: from Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, from former Real legends such as Raul, Emilio Butrageno and Jorge Valdano, from all national and international media.
With Jeff Chabot it was clear that he was not impressed by anyone.
VfB has lost important players, but is still capable of competing with the best in the world. Hoeneß and his team should take this with them into the next Champions League games. Next up is the home game against Sparta Prague, who beat RB Salzburg 3-0 on the first matchday.
But everyone should take this with them to the Bundesliga. The game in Madrid didn’t bring any points, just recognition and respect. That wouldn’t be enough in everyday league life – especially when playing against Borussia Dortmund, who, strangely enough, nobody in Stuttgart likes very much. “BVB? Who the fuck is BVB?”
Speaking of Dortmund: Waldemar Anton could have led VfB onto the hallowed turf of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu as captain on Tuesday. Instead, he sat on the bench in Bruges for an hour before being substituted.
For further reading: Our match report: Real Madrid is Real Madrid.
“The maturity of the performance suggests that Hoeneß’ VfB is anything but a flash in the pan,” writes the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
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