Fenerbahçe Hosts Stuttgart in Crucial Europa League Clash

Istanbul, Turkey – Fenerbahçe will face VfB Stuttgart in a key Europa League matchup on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. BST at the Ülker Stadyumu Şükrü Saracoğlu.

Both teams come into this match with three points after two rounds of group play. Stuttgart started with a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo but suffered a setback against Basel, losing 2-0. Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe lost their first match to Dinamo Zagreb before rebounding to defeat OGC Nice 2-1. The stakes are high, as a win could significantly boost either team’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Fenerbahçe’s new coach, Domenico Tedesco, has reinvigorated the team following Jose Mourinho‘s departure, and they currently sit third in the Turkish Süper Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray. Tedesco may have to navigate this match without several key players, including Jhon Duran and Mert Hakan Yandas, who are sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Cenk Tosun and İrfan Kahveci are suspended.

On the other side, Stuttgart has had a decent run in the Bundesliga, winning five of their last six matches. However, they will be missing players like Ermedin Demirovic and Jamie Leweling, both injured, complicating their preparations for this away match. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß has opted to change his squad dynamics, pulling in Nikolas Nartey to replace Demirovic.

Stuttgart’s recent away form has been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses in their last few outings. Their defensive performance in Europe has been shaky, yielding only one clean sheet in their last twelve European fixtures. They will need to tighten their defense against a Fenerbahçe side that has been strong at home, boasting an unbeaten home stretch in their past four matches.

The two teams are set to employ a similar 4-2-3-1 formation. Fenerbahçe’s lineup will likely feature goalkeeper Tarık Çetin, supported by defenders Semedo, Oosterwolde, and Soyuncu in front of the goal. Midfielders include Álvaro and Yuksek, while attackers Asensio, Dorgeles, and Akturkoglu will look to capitalize on opportunities.

Stuttgart will respond with goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and a defense featuring Jaquez and Chabot, while their midfield contains Stiller and Assignon. The attacking strategy will rely heavily on Tomas and Nartey for creative play.

This contest marks the first official meeting between Fenerbahçe and Stuttgart, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Both teams need a win to boost their chances of progressing in the tournament, promising an exciting encounter for fans.

Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday at the Ülker Stadyumu, with both sides eager to secure a crucial victory.