CM10: Life after Mario Gomez

[m_vaughan]

Matchday 34 Live Updates

1535: Hannover?s attacking midfielder Gustavo Varela has received a booking for his challenge from behind on Werder Bremen?s Ivan Rakitic.

1541: Hannover 0-1 Werder Bremen: And we have our first goal of the day and it comes from the same game. An excellent bit of play from Werder?s strikers with Martin Harnik pulling to the right before feeding a fine cross in for Carlos Alberto head home from close range.

1546: More bad news for Hannover as striker Mikael Forssell has limped out with a suspected knee injury and has been replaced by Didier Konan Ya.

1548: SC Freiburg 0-1 Bayern Munich: The defending champions have for the time being atleast gone top thanks to a spectacular strike from Franck Ribery. The attacking midfielder skipped past four Freiburg players before blasting a shot into the top right corner.

1549: Duisburg 0-1 Borussia Dortmund: Brazilian midfielder Lincoln has given Die Schwarzgelben the lead at the MSV Arena with a calm and composed finish which sees his side now in pole position for the final Champions League spot.

1549: Wolfsburg defender Luis Gustavo has been penalised with a booking for his lunge on Tomas Necid. A free kick has been awarded to FC Koln.

1550: Kaiserslautern 0-1 VfB Stuttgart: Stuttgart have responded to Bayern?s goal through their pragmatic midfielder Sami Khedira. The 24-year old was at the end of Timo Gebhart?s cross from the right and nodded home from close range.

1553: FC Koln 0-1 VfL Wolfsburg: Obafemi Martins has given his side the lead at the RheinEnergieStadion. The former Inter Milan man successfully beat the Koln offside trap while receiving Massimo Ambrosini?s through ball and finished it off by calmly slotting the ball in the back of the net through the legs of Koln keeper Jonathan Sergeant.

1554: Maicon becomes the first person to be booked in the game between Duisburg and Borussia Dortmund where Lincoln?s goal has given the visitors a 1-0 lead and briefly third place in the standings before Martins scored Wolfsburg against FC Koln.

1557: For those of you who still don?t know, only the bottom two sides get relegated in the Bundesliga while 16th placed side enter a relegation playoff with the team that finished 3rd in the Bundesliga 2nd. So one team will join Arminia Bielefeld in the second division next season, while another will still get a chance to stay up depending on how they perform in the relegation playoff.

1558: Kaiserslautern 1-1 VfB Stuttgart: This game isn?t as important for the home side as it is for the visitors but Jiri Bilek?s equaliser has sent the crowd into raptures that would make you believe that it is them who are fighting for the league title. Markus Babbel will be a little disappointed with his defence for allowing Bilek the space and time to score.

1600: Schalke 1-0 Hertha Berlin: Vicente Sanchez? trademark freekick has given Schalke the lead at the Veltins Arena but with Borussia Dortmund also winning, it is still not enough for the Europa League spot they are aiming for.

1602: Duisburg 1-1 Borussia Dortmund: A fantastic header from Duisburg?s Brazilian striker Franca has levelled the score at the MSV Arena. The 35-year old rose well and in time to get to Helder?s cross and direct it into the Dortmund goal who now face the prospect of missing out European football altogether.

1609: Bayern Munich?s left back Philipp Lahm has been cautioned by the referee for his foul on David Targamadze.

1612: David Targamadze is now the culprit as he brings down Arjen Robben in the penalty box and the referee makes no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Targamadze receives a yellow.

1613: SC Freiburg 0-2 Bayern Munich: The defending champions may have this game in the bag already as Mario Gomez converts from the spot to double his side?s lead. With Stuttgart still drawing against Kaiserslautern, Bayern currently are on course to defending their title.

1620: Its half time in all the nine games being played today. As things stand, Bayern Munich are leading the table with Stuttgart a point behind in second. Nurnberg and Borussia Monchengladbach are still in the relegation zone with Eintracht Frankfurt just above. VfL Wolfsburg also still is in 3rd place with Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund both currently drawing their respective matches.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Oh GOd, very exciting last matchday of the season. Hopefully Freiburg could score twice in the second half.. :upray

 

[m_vaughan]

Matchday 34 Live Updates


1636: VfB Stuttgart manager, Markus Babbel has made one change at half time bringing on Martin Lanig for Zdravko Kuzmanovic in a straight midfielder for midfielder swap. Meanwhile at the BayArena, Theofanis Gekas has been brought on in place of Seydou Doumbia. And finally Werder Bremen boss Volker Finke has replaced Marcel Schafer with Torsten Frings.

1641: SC Freiburg 0-3 Bayern Munich: Mario Gomez? header has given his side a 3-0 lead against Freiburg which must surely guarantee them the three points. It all now depends on whether Stuttgart are able to do the same against Kaiserslautern or not, and at the moment the scores are tied at 1-1.

1642: Stuttgart captain Thomas Hitzlsperger has been shown the yellow card for his foul on Jiri Bilek.

1645: Pascal Bieler also gets himself booked for bringing down Umit Korkmaz. No goals in that game yet.

1649: Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Hamburg: 20-year old Richard Sukuta-Pasu has given Bayern Leverkusen the lead after just two minutes since coming on. Bayer however need Wolfsburg who currently lead FC Koln by a goal to nil, to drop points to take the final Champions League spot.

1656: The pressure is building on VfB Stuttgart and coach Markus Babbel has made a second change by replacing Pavel Pogrebnyak with Manuel Fischer. Pogrebnyak has been disappointing today.

1657: Bayern Munich have also made a change by replacing Ismael Koybasi with Heiko Westermann.

1658: FC Nurnberg 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt: A massive goal scored in this relegation six pointer with Vahid Hashemian scoring from the rebound after Umit Korkmaz? initial strike was kept out by Markus Miller.

1658: Duisburg 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Chinedu Ede has scored a fantastic goal at the MSV Arena to seriously dampen Dortmund?s chances of Champions League football next season. The 24-year old capped off a brilliant run on the break by cutting inside of the last defender and lobbing the ball above Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller.

1701: Schalke 1-1 Hertha Berlin: Dortmund losing would be good news for Schalke who are looking for the next tier of European football in the Europa League next season. However they too have suffered a setback as Hertha Berlin have pulled level through Raffaele.

1704: Julio Dominguez has been cautioned by referee for a two legged challenge on Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.

1706: SC Freiburg 0-4 Bayern Munich: Substitute Miroslav Klose has scored the fourth goal for Bayern Munich against Freiburg, who still however our not in the bottom three thanks to Hannover and Borussia Monchengladbach both failing to win at the moment. But the goal difference with the latter is only down to one now.

1711: Unbelievable. Serdar Tasci?s header from a Timo Gebhart corner beat everybody but the crossbar. So close to taking the lead in the game and in the standings.

1715: Schalke 1-2 Hertha Berlin: Raffaele has got another one to give Hertha the shock lead over Schalke at Gelsenkirchen.

1715: FC Koln 0-2 VfL Wolfsburg: A Alexander Madlung header has doubled Wolfsburg advantage over FC Koln and should be enough to seal third place in the standings.

1719: Schalke 1-3 Hertha Berlin: Raffaele has scored a hattrick at the Gelsenkirchen which surely ends Schalke?s chances of European football next season.

1722: FC Koln 0-3 VfL Wolfsburg: Massimo Ambrosini has capped off a stellar performance today by scoring the third goal himself. The former Milan man was ran into the box unmarked and headed home a cross from Peter Pekarik.

1727: All the games have concluded which means Bayern Munich have clinched their 22nd Bundesliga title right under the noses of VfB Stuttgart who were held to a draw by Kaiserslautern. VfL Wolfsburg have claimed the third Champions League spot while Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have got the Europa League places. However since Bayer and Wolfsburg are in the final of the DFB Pokal, Werder Bremen who are in sixth place will get the additional Europa League spot. Down at the bottom, Nurnberg join Arminia Bielefeld in the second division next season while Borussia Monchengladbach will go into a playoff with the third placed in team from that division, which will be known tomorrow.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Oh no , so close yet so far. You must be feeling gutted after unable to win the title even after playing very well throughout the season. Anyways a much exciting and hoping it could be third time lucky next season.

Anyways still some Champions League hopes alive.. :upray

 

[m_vaughan]

If you are talking about this season then I already lost to Barcelona 3-6 on aggregate over the two legs.

 

[m_vaughan]

May 2011 Update 2​

Results
14/05/2011 - Bundesliga Match 34
FC Kaiserslautern 1-1 VfB Stuttgart
20 - Khedira
28 - Bilek
It was heartbreak for VfB Stuttgart fans on the final matchday of the season as their side were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Kaiserslautern. Both goals came in the first half and Stuttgart despite having chances after that failed to find the winner. With Bayern thrashing Freiburg 4-0 in the other game, the title was staying in Munich for another season.​

Bundesliga standings

Player Stats

 

[m_vaughan]

Markus Babbel disappointed but proud

VfB Stuttgart head coach, Markus Babbel, understandably was left heartbroken after the final round of matches in the Bundesliga that saw his side only get a draw away to FC Kaiserslautern thereby allowing Bayern Munich to clinch the Bundesliga title.

But the 38-year old was proud of the team's achievement and performance this season and hailed it as a "major improvement" from last season.

"I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed for losing the title race on the final day but looking at the season as a whole we have made a major improvement from 2009-10," said Babbel.

"In the league, last season we were fighting for second place with the likes of Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen and were never really bothering Bayern Munich for the title. This season we made the jump up and came so close to winning it.

"In Europe we were the only German side in the last four of the Champions League and while we did not do very well in the Pokal, I think its crystal clear the improvements we have made this season and for that I am proud of my team and the players."

 

[m_vaughan]

CHAMPIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Germany
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich
DFB-Pokal: Bayer Leverkusen
DFB Liga-Pokal: VfL Wolfsburg​

Europe
Champions League: Liverpool FC
Europa League: Trabzonspor
Super Cup: RSC Anderlecht​

World
Club World Championship: Manchester United​

Spain
Liga BBVA: Barcelona
Copa del Rey: Athletic Bilbao
Super Copa: Sevilla​

England
Premier League: Arsenal
FA Cup: Wigan
Carling Cup: Chelsea
Community Shield: Manchester United​

Italy
Serie A: Inter Milan
Coppa Italia: Juventus
Super Coppa: Inter Milan​

France
Ligue 1: Olympique Marseille
Coupe de France: Stade Rennais FC
Coupe de la Ligue: Olympique Marseille​

Trophee des champions: Olympique Marseille

Portugal
Liga Sagres: Benfica
Taca de Portugal: Sporting Lisbon
Liga de Portugal: Sporting Lisbon
Supertaca de Portugal: Benfica​

Holland
Eredivisie: AZ Alkmaar
KNVB Cup: Heerenveen
Johan Cruyff Shield: PSV Eindhoven​

Turkey
Super Lig: Fenerbahce
Turkiye Kupasi: Besiktas
Super Kupa: Fenerbahce​

Belgium
Jupiler Pro League: Anderlecht
Cofidis Cup: Anderlecht
Super Cup: Mechelen​

Greece
Super League: Olympiakos
Greek Cup: AEK Athens​

Greek Super Cup: Olympiakos

Russia
Premier League: Zenit St. Petersburg
National Cup: Rubin Kazan
Super Cup: CSKA Moscow​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Wow!! Wigan and Arsenal winning trophies, looks like the Premier League is being more exciting, and even La Liga..Good update mate..

 

[m_vaughan]

June 2011 Update

Transfers
IN (0):

OUT (14):​

​

​

The main transfers news was that of midfielder Peter Niemeyer to FC Koln. Niemeyer spent two seasons at VfB Stuttgart since his move from Werder Bremen. And Werder are Stuttgart?s opponents in the DFB Liga Pokal 1st round.​

 

[m_vaughan]

Stuttgart re-sign Hleb

VfB Stuttgart have completed the signing of Aleksandr Hleb from FC Barcelona for a fee of ?6.3 million it was revealed on the German club's official website today.

"VfB Stuttgart and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement over the permanent transfer of Belarusian midfielder Aleksandr Hleb. The player has also accepted the move and has penned a four year deal."

This will be Hleb's third stint at the club. He first moved there in 2000 from BATE Borisov and spent five seasons before leaving for English side Arsenal. He then moved to Barca but failed to settle into the first team. He was sent to Stuttgart on loan in the 2009-10 season, during which he again excelled.

It was said that Stuttgart tried to make the move permanent at the end of the season but Hleb wanted to give Spanish football another try. He started off well scoring 4 goals in his first 4 games, but then fizzled out and once again struggled to get into the starting lineup. When the Germans came asking once again, Hleb was more than happy to answer their call.

"It is truly an honour to get to play for VfB again. I've always enjoyed playing for them and am glad to have got the opportunity once again," said Hleb.

The player will be officially unveiled tomorrow at the club's press center.

 

[m_vaughan]

July 2011 Update

Transfers
IN (7):

OUT (0):


Results

03/07/2011 - Friendly
Borussia Monchengladbach 2-2 VfB Stuttgart
7 - Hitzlsperger
15 - Gebhart
19 - Sam
81 - Raul Bobadilla
Not the best result for Stuttgart but then it was ofcourse the first game of preseason. Although at one point it did seem as the visitors were going to romp Monchengladbach on their own turf but the hosts responded well by tightening the defence.

07/07/2011 - Friendly
Karlsruher SC 1-1 VfB Stuttgart
82 - Schieber
89 - Hesse
The two Swabian rivals met in preseason for the third year running and Stuttgart had yet to win in this fixture. That wait has to wait a bit longer as Kai Hesse's late strike meant the visitors could only go back home with a draw.

12/07/2011 - Friendly
VfB Stuttgart 2-1 Besiktas
28 - Sararer
42 - Lanig
51 - Ayaz
Stuttgart recorded their first victory in preseason and not surprisingly it was in their first home game. However they would be a bit disappointed as despite their dominance they were only able to win by a single goal margin.

16/07/2011 - DFB Liga Pokal 1st Round
VfB Stuttgart 1-0 Werder Bremen
90 - Gebhart
Being played at the LTU Arena in Dusseldorf, this game looked certain to go to penalties until a last gasp strike from Stuttgart winger Timo Gebhart sealed the deal.

20/07/2011 - DFB Liga Pokal Semifinal
VfL Wolfsburg 2-2 VfB Stuttgart
(Pens 5-4)
17 - Dzeko
39 - Pogrebnyak
44 - Pogrebnyak
80 - Kahlenberg
A spectacular semifinal which was denied by the dreaded penalty shootout. Even then Stuttgart had two chances to seal the game but failed and were knocked out in sudden death when Sercan Sararer's shot was saved by Diego Benaglio and Fabian Johnson scored the winner.

30/07/2011 - DFB Pokal 1st Round
VfB Stuttgart 2-0 SG Dresden
38 - Kuzmanovic
44 - Kuzmanovic
A brace from Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic was enough for Stuttgart to see off third division side SG Dynamo Dresden in the first round of the DFB Pokal. Markus Babbel played a strong team which included new signings Michael Ballack and Aleksandr Hleb.

August 2011 Fixtures

Stuttgart made three big signings this month, with Michael Ballack, Rio Mavuba and Aleksandr Hleb all arriving at the Mercedes Benz Arena. Four youngsters also joined the club and will be part of the reserve and youth teams.

Stuttgart sign Michael Ballack from Inter Milan​

 

[m_vaughan]

Hilbert seals Marseille switch

French champions Olympique Marseille have announced the signing of German midfielder Roberto Hilbert on a four-year contract from VfB Stuttgart.

Hilbert's future at the Mercedes Benz Arena had been uncertain following the arrivals of Aleksandr Hleb, Michael Ballack and the emergence of Timo Gebhart as the preferred choice of coach Markus Babbel on the right wing. He had been linked with moves to several clubs within and outside Germany.

Werder Bremen were mooted as admirers of the 26-year-old, as were VfL Wolfsburg. Milan city rivals, AC and Inter were also linked to the midfielder, although no concrete offer was made.

But last night, Hilbert accepted a surprise move to France after Marseille confirmed that he had signed a contract till 2015. Reports have put the fee in the region of ?12m which is ten times what Stuttgart had paid Greuther Furth in 2006.

During his time with the Swabians, Hilbert scored 19 goals in 133 appearances and was voted the club's best player in the 2009-10 season.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Ballack, Hleb and Mavumba are really great signings for the club. Hopefully the Bundesliga is finally coming to Stuttgart..

 

[m_vaughan]

August 2011 Update 1​

06/08/2011 - Bundesliga Match 1
Hannover 96 1-2 VfB Stuttgart
22 - Hleb
48 - Forssell
89 - Lanig
Aleksandr Hleb scored on his Bundesliga return but it required a late late strike from Martin Lanig to seal the three points for VfB Stuttgart after Mikael Forssell had equalised for Hannover just after the restart.

13/08/2011 - Bundesliga Match 2
VfB Stuttgart 2-2 FC Schalke
10 - Tasci
29 - Kuranyi
61 - Mavuba
83 - Valdivia
Markus Babbel's side threw away the lead twice against Schalke at the Mercedes Benz Arena as Jorge Valdivia's 83rd minute headed goal meant the spoils were shared between the two teams.

21/08/2011 - Bundesliga Match 3
Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 VfB Stuttgart
27 - Ballack
47 - Gekas
65 - Karadeniz
69 - Helmes
The exact repeat of the previous game with the exception of this being in an away fixture for VfB Stuttgart. Michael Ballack and Batuhan Karadeniz both netting their first goals of the season.​