Hard work key to Stuttgart recovery

While Sevilla FC took a big step towards qualification from UEFA Champions League Group G with a 3-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart in Germany, the home side were left wondering what they did wrong as they remain winless after three matchdays.

Bright opening
Stuttgart dominated the opening exchanges and twice went close in the opening 15 minutes through young striker Julian Schieber. Sébastien Squillaci scored against the run of play midway through the first half and later headed another after Jesús Navas had doubled Sevilla's lead. Although Élson reduced arrears with a superb free-kick on 74, Stuttgart's Christian Träsch felt the scoreline flattered the in-form Spanish side.

'Right track'
"We certainly didn't deserve to lose but Sevilla made the most of the few chances they had," said the 22-year-old, who was surprisingly deployed in a defensive midfield role. "We're not converting our chances at the moment and that's something we need to work on. Still, as long as we keep working hard then hopefully our luck will turn. We're definitely on the right track."

Squillaci influence
Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora had similar sentiments: "I think Stuttgart played very well in the first 15 minutes because we gave them the space to play football, but after that we improved." Turning to his side's unlikely hero, the Ivorian said of Squillaci: "Sometimes you need defenders to score goals and he was brilliant tonight. He played very well, scored two goals and was solid at the back."

Return fixture
Squillaci himself added: "I'm pleased with the victory but it was a difficult game and we were a bit lucky to get the win. We were poor in the opening 20 minutes and they had some decent chances, but it was an important win and with a bit of luck we'll make it through to the next round now." The Andalusian outfit can do just that with another victory in the return fixture on 4 November in two weeks' time, although VfB have not given up hope of advancing too. "I still think we can qualify but we need to get our first win of the competition," added Träsch.