Looking back: Onwards and upwards
VfB lost all four competitive meetings with Bayern last season. Chema’s goal was not enough to prevent a 2-1 reverse in the 2025 Supercup, while 5-0 and 4-2 defeats (Chris Führich and Chema were on target in Munich) in the league were followed by a 3-0 loss in the DFB Cup final. VfB’s last victory over the record German champions came in 2023/24, when efforts from Leonidas Stergiou, Wooyeong Jeong and Silas earned the Swabians – who went on to finish Bundesliga runners-up – a 3-1 home win.
Reunited: Familiar faces on both sides
Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß (2017 to 2020) and Angelo Stiller (2010 to 2021) have both spent time at Bayern, while Joshua Kimmich (2007 to 2013), the injured Serge Gnabry (2006 to 2011), Sven Ulreich (1998 to 2015) and Hiroki Ito (2021 to 2024) are the four players in the Bavarians’ squad to have enjoyed spells with VfB.
Top scorers face off
With 19 goals, new VfB captain Deniz Undav was the Bundesliga’s second highest scorer last season behind Bayern’s Harry Kane (36). Incredibly, none of Undav’s 19 league efforts were penalties. Excluding spot-kicks, only Kane (26) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (24) found the net more often in Europe’s top five leagues last term.
What the coaches say
Sebastian Hoeneß: „The Bundesliga opening match is a fantastic showcase with worldwide TV coverage. We want to go out there full of confidence. Of course, everything has to go right for you to get a result against Bayern.”
Vincent Company: A game against Stuttgart is a bit like a Premier League clash – very intense. They’re a team who alway apply pressure and always try to find creative solutions with the ball. Last season, they had the second-best attack. It’s not a bad match to start off with. They’re fully committed to their style of play and their game plan.”
Personnel: Lengthy injury list
On the personnel front, Jamie Leweling has returned to first-team training and will travel to Munich with the rest of the squad. A decision on Chris Führich’s availability will be made nearer the time, according to the VfB head coach. Ramon Hendriks is also back in training, but the trip to Bayern comes too soon for Luca Jaquez, Lorenz Assignon, Leo Sauer, Dennis Seimen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Nikolas Nartey, Justin Diehl and Jeremy Arévalo.
As for Bayern, Gnabry is working his way back to fitness following injury, while Jamal Musiala is also sidelined.
Attendance: Away end sold out
VfB will be backed by around 7,500 supporters in the Bavarian capital.
