The UEFA Europa League group stage kicks off with an intriguing clash as VfB Stuttgart hosts Celta Vigo at the MHP Arena in Germany on Thursday, September 25, 2025. This encounter pits a German side, buoyed by recent domestic success and a thirst for European prominence, against a Spanish outfit returning to continental competition after a significant absence, desperate to rediscover their European pedigree. With both teams looking to make an early statement in what promises to be a competitive group, the stakes are high. Will Stuttgart leverage their home advantage and recent form, or can Celta Vigo’s technical prowess and renewed European ambition spring a surprise? The MHP Arena, fresh from hosting EURO 2024 matches and a recent American football final, provides a modern and vibrant backdrop for this European battle.
Head-to-Head: A Limited but Historic Rivalry
Encounters between VfB Stuttgart and Celta Vigo are rare, making this fixture a novel and exciting prospect for fans. Historically, the two sides have met only twice in competitive matches back in 2001. In those Europa League (then UEFA Cup) fixtures, Celta Vigo secured a 2-1 victory at home, while the return leg in Stuttgart ended in a goalless draw. More recently, a preseason friendly saw Stuttgart emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. These past meetings, while few, suggest closely contested affairs, with an average of 1.50 goals per match in their direct competitive clashes.
Current Form & Team News
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart enters this Europa League fixture on a mixed, but recently improving, run of form. After an initial stutter in the new campaign with two defeats, Die Schwaben have found their stride, securing three wins in their last four matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 home victory against St. Pauli. Their home form has been particularly strong, winning both of their Bundesliga matches at the MHP Arena this season and keeping clean sheets in both.
However, Sebastian Hoeneß’s side is grappling with a notable injury list. Key players like striker Deniz Undav is sidelined with a medial collateral ligament tear and is expected to return in mid-October. Defender Leonidas Stergiou is out with an ankle injury, while Justin Diehl also misses out due to a muscle injury. Other absentees include Luca Jaquez (broken nose/fitness) and Fabian Bredlow (knee injury), with Dan-Axel Zagadou also experiencing knee issues. Standout players for Stuttgart include Ermedin Demirovic, who has been in strong form with three goals and an assist in his last five outings and will lead the attack. Chema Andrés could retain his place in midfield after an impressive performance.
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo’s return to European football comes amidst a challenging start to their domestic season. The Spanish side is currently winless in six games in the 2025/26 season, with their last five La Liga outings all ending in 1-1 draws. This poor run has left them hovering near the relegation zone in La Liga, making the Europa League a potential distraction or a further test of their resolve.
Celta also faces significant injury concerns. Mihailo Ristic is out with a muscle injury, Sergio Carreira is recovering from an ankle problem, and Williot Swedberg is also struggling with an ankle issue, making him doubtful. Marcos Alonso is also expected to be absent due to a knee injury. Veteran forward Iago Aspas, at 38, remains a crucial figure and will be looked upon for his experience and goal-scoring threat.
Tactical Preview
Stuttgart, under Sebastian Hoeneß, is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that has brought them success and allows for both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Their style of play often involves a high press and quick transitions, aiming to dominate possession and create chances through their dynamic wide players and an advanced attacking midfielder supporting the lone striker. The midfield battle, with players like Angelo Stiller and Atakan Karazor (if fit), will be crucial in disrupting Celta’s rhythm and launching attacks.
Celta Vigo, managed by Claudio Giraldez, may opt for a 3-4-3 formation, seeking to control the midfield and utilize their attacking talent, particularly Iago Aspas. Their recent run of draws suggests a team struggling for decisive moments in both attack and defense, but their technical ability cannot be underestimated. The wide areas will be key, with Celta looking to exploit any spaces left by Stuttgart’s attacking full-backs.
The match will be played at the MHP Arena, which is known for its excellent pitch conditions, even after hosting multiple events. Weather in Stuttgart on September 25th is expected to be comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 18°C and a low chance of rain, meaning conditions should be ideal for football. Travel fatigue could be a factor for Celta Vigo, making the long trip from Spain, but professional athletes are typically well-prepared for such journeys.
