Goalless but Dramatic: Penalty Controversy and Sending-Off in 0–0 Draw with Stuttgart

284 spectators at Stadion Lichterfelde witnessed an intense, hard-fought clash between FC Viktoria Berlin and VfB Stuttgart – a match that had everything: shots off the woodwork, controversial decisions, numerous substitutions and even a second yellow card late on. Goals? Unfortunately none.

Stuttgart on the Front Foot – Viktoria Grow Into the Game

The first 15 minutes clearly belonged to the visitors. Stuttgart moved the ball well, enjoyed more possession and created the first dangerous moments. In the 18th minute, things got really close: a Stuttgart shot rattled the post – a let-off for us.

But Viktoria were not rattled. As the game progressed, we took more control. Senanur Yavuz powered her way through the right half-space but was denied by Stuttgart’s goalkeeper.

From the 30th minute onwards, the game turned into an open contest – both teams enjoying strong spells, both pushing forward with intent.

Then came the major talking point of the first half: penalty for FC Viktoria Berlin in the 40th minute! Anna Höfker stepped up, struck the crossbar, reacted instantly and headed the rebound into the net. The celebrations in the stadium? Huge. The decision? Frustrating. Double touch – no goal awarded, even though the ball had clearly crossed the line after hitting the bar in the eyes of many.

Shortly after, we tested the goalkeeper again with a header, and Nina Ehegötz fired a powerful shot just wide of the left post.

It remained 0–0 at the break – a match that already deserved more.

Plenty of Energy, Little Reward

The second half began with attacking intent from FC Viktoria Berlin. We came out of the dressing room with pace and put Stuttgart under pressure – but as the minutes passed, the game became more balanced again.

Chances grew rarer, the intensity increased.

Several substitutions followed: Alisa Grincenco replaced Victoria Ezebinyuo (58’), Melissa Ugochukwu came on for Nina Ehegötz (67’), and Eunice Beckmann substituted Senanur Yavuz (84’).

In the closing stages, Viktoria pushed once more. Three corners in quick succession and another effort from Yavuz – but the ball simply would not cross the line.

Despite continued attacking momentum towards the Stuttgart goal, stoppage time brought another setback. Laura Casanovas received a second yellow card after a foul (90+3), and Viktoria had to see out the final moments with ten players.

In the end, it stayed 0–0.

Conclusion

A goalless draw that doesn’t quite feel like one. FC Viktoria Berlin were the stronger side for large stretches, creating the clearer opportunities – but the woodwork, the rulebook and a matter of inches denied us a goal.

With the point, we slip slightly in the standings and now sit in eighth place.

Still, this performance once again showed the resilience and fighting spirit of our team – even if more would have been possible today.

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Starting XI:

Wagner, Klotz, Sahlmann, Metzker, Krist, Stöckmann, Höfker, Ezebinyuo (58’ Grincenco), Ehegötz (67’ Ugochukwu), Yavuz (84’ Beckmann), Casanovas