Stuttgart (dpa) - Amid the uncertainty in football about the coronavirus consequences, VfB Stuttgart missed the hoped-for home win in the second division top game against Arminia Bielefeld.
The Swabians did not go beyond a 1: 1 (0: 0) against East Westphalia on Monday evening and are still six points behind the leaders. Thanks to the point gain in front of 54,302 spectators, the Stuttgart coach Pellegrino Matarazzo again passed the Hamburger SV in second place in the promotion race. Substitute Cebio Soukou (76th) equalized the lead of former national striker Mario Gomez (53rd minute) for VfB.
Already next weekend, games in the Bundesliga are threatening games without an audience, given the recommendation by Health Minister Jens Spahn to cancel events with more than 1000 participants for the time being. The Monday game of the 2nd league was not yet affected. According to their own statements, the authorities temporarily refrained from excluding the viewers, particularly from security-related aspects.
So the criticism of the fans of the German Football Association could continue in the second division top game, with critical banners and in the middle of the first half also disparaging chants. On the other hand, the spectators waited in vain for a goal for a long time, even dangerous offensive scenes rarely came about at first.
At the beginning of the second half it was Gomez who let VfB fans cheer. After a cross from Nicólas González, the veteran headed freestanding. The changes in the starting eleven of VfB coach Pellegrino Matarazzo had paid off. González and Gomez, like returnees Holger Badstuber, were new to the first eleven compared to the recent 0-2 in Fürth.
Gomez had had the best chance in Stuttgart in the first half. His third-minute shot was blocked by team-mate Nathaniel Phillips. In another scene in the penalty area, the former striker in Arminia goalkeeper Stefan Ortega rushed. But both could continue to play.
Almost 20 minutes before the end, Atakan Karazor came for goal scorer Gomez and should strengthen the defensive. But Bielefeld, the strongest away team in the league, came back thanks to the substitute Soukou. VfB goalkeeper Kobel was beaten after he had parried strongly against top scorer Fabian Klos. For VfB, it was the first draw in front of their own backdrop after six home wins.
Squad of VfB Stuttgart
Schedule of the VfB Stuttgart in the 2nd Bundesliga
VfB Stuttgart entrances and exits
Squad Arminia Bielefeld
Game information