VfB Stuttgart are preparing to kick off their UEFA Europa League campaign against Celta Vigo at the MHP Arena on Thursday night—marking the club’s first back-to-back participation in European competitions since 2012-2014[1][3]. After lifting the DFB Pokal in the 2024/25 season, Stuttgart earned their place in this contest, having experienced UEFA Champions League football last year, and their head coach Sebastian Hoeneß underlined in his press conference that international fixtures are “the icing on the cake” and should never be taken for granted[1][3].
Hoeneß is expecting a challenging encounter, recalling the feisty nature of their preseason meeting with Celta Vigo, which Stuttgart won 2-1, but noted that this time the stakes are much higher with “60,000 fans” and the electrifying atmosphere of a floodlit European night[1][3]. He remains secretive about his starting line-up, particularly regarding whether club captain Atakan Karazor will return to the starting eleven after being left on the bench in Stuttgart’s 2-0 home victory over St. Pauli last weekend. Chema Andrés impressed alongside Angelo Stiller in midfield, and Ermedin Demirović was highlighted by Hoeneß for his goal and assist in that match[1][3][5].
Stuttgart’s probable XI for the Europa League opener includes Nübel, Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt, Chema, Stiller, Tomás, El Khannouss, Leweling, and Demirović[3][5]. After their historic cup win and Champions League stint, Stuttgart look to build on their momentum as they continue in continental competition[5].
In Bundesliga action, Stuttgart are coming off a convincing 2-0 victory over St. Pauli and hold a promising position early in the 2025/26 season[4][5]. The team’s energy and recent successes have generated significant enthusiasm among supporters as they embark on another challenging European journey.