Looking back
The teams’ most recent meeting will still be fresh in the memories of countless VfB fans. Just over a year ago, in December 2024, the sides locked horns on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League. After falling behind 1-0, VfB emerged 5-1 victors on the night.
As things stand
VfB need another win – ideally by another big margin – in the final round of league phase fixtures on Thursday to have any chance of going straight through to the UEFA Europa League round of 16. A draw or a defeat would mean getting there via a two-legged play-off tie on 19 and 26 February. Young Boys are still battling to secure a place in those play-offs, meaning the stakes are high for both teams.
The coach
The 17-time Swiss champions are currently managed by Gerardo Seoane. The 47-year-old will be familiar to Bundesliga followers, having held the reins at Bayer 04 Leverkusen for 15 months after leaving Young Boys in 2021. He was also in charge at Borussia Mönchengladbach for nearly two years, before his dismissal in September 2025.
Bundesliga connection
In addition to Seoane, a further six members of the YB squad have a Bundesliga past: back-up goalkeeper Heinz Lindner (Frankfurt), Saidy Janko (Bochum), Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz), Armin Gigovic (Kiel), Chris Bedia (Union) and Sergio Córdova (Augsburg).
Key players
Goalkeeper Marvin Keller, who is now a part of the senior Swiss national team, is first choice between the posts, while the likes of defenders Gregory Wüthrich and captain Loris Benito, and midfield duo Darian Males and Alvyn Sanches, are cornerstones of Seoane’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Form
Young Boys have lost their last five competitive games, scoring goal four and conceding 17. Furthermore, no away supporters will be allowed following fan misconduct during their Europa League visit to Aston Villa in Birmingham.
VfB, by contrast, are in fine form and have been impressive on home turf in Europe, winning all three Europa League outings at the MHP Arena to date: 2-1 against Celta Vigo, 2-0 against Feyenoord and 4-1 against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side are determined to extend that run on Thursday.