The final group-stage match of the Europa League between VfB Stuttgart and Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place on Thursday, 11 December 2025 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 CET. Stuttgart return to their home ground aiming to secure a result that strengthens their chances of progressing to the knockout phase, while Maccabi Tel Aviv travel knowing they have little room for error but hope to leave Germany with a respectable performance.
Injury and squad availability will play a role in shaping the game. Stuttgart will be missing defenders Dan-Axel Zagadou and Luca Jaquez due to injury, and Jeff Chabot is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Additionally, Ameen Al-Dakhil and Leonidas Stergiou are not registered for European competition, limiting defensive options. Maccabi Tel Aviv will be without right-back Sagiv Jehezkel because of suspension and forward Ion Nicolaescu due to injury, meaning the Israeli side will rely heavily on substitutes to fill key defensive and attacking roles.
Tactically, Stuttgart’s coach plans to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes controlled possession and quick transitions through the midfield. The team aims to support their lone striker with wide and central players while maintaining compactness in defensive phases. Maccabi Tel Aviv are expected to adopt a compact 4-2-3-1 setup as well, focusing on defensive organization and structured counter-attacks. The Israeli team will aim to stay disciplined in their shape while looking to exploit any gaps left by Stuttgart’s advancing full-backs.
Media coverage in the days before the game has highlighted the contrast in group performance. Stuttgart are positioned competitively in the group and are being discussed as favorites to take maximum points at home, with attention on their recent challenges in domestic matches. Maccabi Tel Aviv, by contrast, have struggled in the Europa League and are framed as underdogs, with press narratives emphasizing the difficulty of containing Stuttgart’s possession-based style while still finding opportunities on the break.
Studio analysts have focused on key tactical match-ups and potential turning points. Commentators are debating whether Stuttgart can dominate midfield early and use wing play effectively to create chances, and whether Maccabi can maintain defensive discipline under sustained pressure. Analysts also note that substitutes may play a decisive role due to absences on both sides. The midfield battle is widely viewed as crucial, with the team that asserts control likely dictating the flow and momentum of the match.
