The stage is set at the iconic St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, as local heroes FC Basel prepare to lock horns with German Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League clash. Kicking off at 19:00 UTC on Thursday, October 2, 2025, this encounter promises to be a captivating spectacle with both sides carrying distinct motivations into Matchday 2 of the competition. For Basel, this match represents a crucial opportunity to ignite their European campaign, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Freiburg in their previous UEL outing and a similar 2-1 loss to Luzern in the Swiss Super League. The pressure is mounting as they seek to avoid an unwelcome hat-trick of close-run defeats and secure their first European victory of the season.
Across the border, VfB Stuttgart arrives in Switzerland brimming with confidence. The Swabians began their Europa League journey with a convincing 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo and followed that up with another 2-1 win against Cologne in the Bundesliga. This impressive run sees them riding a wave of three consecutive victories across all competitions. An intriguing angle to this fixture is Stuttgart’s historically strong record against Swiss clubs in major European competitions (W6, L1), while Basel has often struggled against German opponents (W6, D5, L11). What’s truly at stake tonight? For Basel, it’s about pride, resilience, and injecting life into their European ambitions. For Stuttgart, it’s an opportunity to cement their strong start and establish themselves as genuine contenders in the group.
Head-to-Head
Historically, competitive meetings between FC Basel and VfB Stuttgart have been rare, with two friendly matches providing the most recent encounters. In these two games since 2019, VfB Stuttgart has held the upper hand:
- Total matches played: 2
- FC Basel wins: 0
- VfB Stuttgart wins: 2
- Draws: 0
Recent results (last 2 meetings, both friendlies):
- January 13, 2020: FC Basel 0 – 2 VfB Stuttgart
- July 13, 2019: FC Basel 2 – 3 VfB Stuttgart
Over these two encounters, a total of 7 goals were scored, averaging 3.5 goals per match, indicating a propensity for high-scoring affairs when these two sides meet. Stuttgart has outscored Basel 5-2 in these games.
Current Form & Team News (as of October 2, 2025)
FC Basel
FC Basel enters this match in a challenging period, having endured back-to-back 2-1 defeats. They fell to SC Freiburg in their opening UEFA Europa League fixture and then suffered a domestic league loss to Luzern. In their European campaign thus far, Basel has registered one draw and two losses, highlighting their struggle to find a winning rhythm. An intriguing statistical trend sees each of Basel’s last four games producing over 2.5 goals and featuring both teams scoring, suggesting an open style of play but also defensive vulnerabilities.
While specific injury news is scarce, Basel will undoubtedly look to their experienced talisman, Xherdan Shaqiri, who has netted six goals this term, to provide the creative spark and attacking thrust needed to break down the German defense.
VfB Stuttgart
In stark contrast, VfB Stuttgart arrives in impeccable form, boasting a three-game winning streak across all competitions. Their journey in the UEFA Europa League began with a solid 2-1 home victory against Celta Vigo, which they followed up by beating FC Cologne by the same scoreline in the Bundesliga. Stuttgart’s recent away form is equally impressive, with each of their last five away games also seeing over 2.5 goals and both teams finding the back of the net. Furthermore, Stuttgart has never drawn an away game in the main draw of the UEL, registering five wins and four losses.
With a relatively short trip to Switzerland, travel fatigue is unlikely to be a significant factor for the German side, allowing them to field a strong and well-rested squad.
Tactical Preview
This match promises an intriguing tactical battle. Basel, playing at home and desperately needing a win, is likely to adopt an attacking approach. Their recent games suggest a team willing to commit players forward, perhaps in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to exploit the flanks and utilize Shaqiri’s playmaking abilities. However, this offensive ambition has often left them exposed at the back, as evidenced by their high-scoring but losing recent outings. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Basel needing to assert control to supply their attackers and shield their defense.
Stuttgart, on the other hand, will likely come into St. Jakob-Park with confidence but also a pragmatic approach. While they are in fine scoring form, their away record in the UEL suggests they are comfortable playing on the break. A 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, similar to Basel, could be deployed, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting any defensive spaces left by Basel’s attacking forays. Their ability to score away from home, coupled with Basel’s defensive struggles, points towards Stuttgart finding the net. The pitch conditions at St. Jakob-Park are expected to be excellent, facilitating a free-flowing game, and the local conditions in Switzerland should not pose a significant challenge for the German visitors.
