VfB Stuttgart 0 - 2 Shakhtar Donetsk (Uefa Cup)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk made it two wins from two in Group G after recording an impressive 2-0 victory against Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion.
Group leaders
Fernandinho and Ciprian Marica were both on target as the Ukrainian side added to their Matchday 1 victory against PAOK FC to open a three-point lead at the top of the section. Stuttgart remain on three points courtesy of their 2-0 win at Stade Rennais FC a fortnight ago, although they appeared in control early on against Shakhtar.
Early opening
Christian Tiffert's powerful long-range effort for the hosts was caught by Dmytro Shutkov after just 20 seconds as the home side started positively. Denmark striker Jon Dahl Tomasson produced the next shot on goal but his effort from outside the area went wide of the post.
Fernandinho strikes
Tiffert and Danijel Ljuboja both had attempts on goal as the German side established a firm foothold in the game but neither forced a save from Shutkov. The away team then took an unexpected lead on the half-hour, Fernandinho getting on the end of a Darijo Srna cross and placing his header past Stuttgart goalkeeper Dirk Heinen.
Attacking intent
Stuttgart coach Giovanni Trapattoni signalled his intent by bringing on striker Cacau at the interval for the more defence-minded Christian Gentner, although they struggled to fashion any meaningful opportunities. Danish winger Jesper Grønkjær was then brought on for Silvio Meissner, but the stubborn Ukrainian outfit held firm and went close themselves on the hour mark when Brandão had an effort saved.
Late second
Shutkov kept out a header from Marco Streller - a replacement for Tomasson - late on, before Shakhtar capped their performance with a second goal, when another substitute, Marica, struck with two minutes remaining after good work from Anatoliy Tymoschuk.
Source: Uefa.com, shakhtar.com
