Fenerbahçe vs Stuttgart

The UEFA Europa League match between Fenerbahçe and VfB Stuttgart will take place on Thursday, 23 October 2025, at the Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul, Turkey. Kick-off is set for 18:45 CEST. This fixture marks Matchday 3 of the group stage, with both teams aiming to strengthen their positions in the competition. The match is expected to attract a large home crowd, as Fenerbahçe look to maintain their strong European form at home, while Stuttgart face one of the most intense atmospheres in continental football.

Both sides enter the contest with notable absences. Fenerbahçe will be without Caglar Söyüncü, Diego Carlos, and Nelson Semedo, all sidelined with thigh and muscle injuries. Midfielder Fred remains out due to a groin problem, and Cenk Tosun is also unavailable with a similar issue, while Edson Álvarez is serving a suspension. For Stuttgart, forward Ermedin Demirović, winger Jamie Leweling, and young attacker Justin Diehl are unavailable due to injuries. Fenerbahçe are expected to include several younger players on the bench to cover for absences, while Stuttgart’s substitutes will include a mix of defensive options and quick wingers to adjust their shape if needed.

Tactically, Fenerbahçe’s coach plans to set up an attack-minded formation, likely with two creative midfielders behind the striker to take advantage of the home crowd’s energy. The team will focus on ball control and quick transitions down the wings, with full-backs pushing high to stretch Stuttgart’s compact defense. Stuttgart’s manager Sebastian Hoeneß has emphasised his side’s need to remain compact and disciplined, especially in the opening 20 minutes. His tactical approach relies on pressing in midfield, quick counterattacks, and maintaining a solid defensive block to frustrate the hosts and look for chances in transition.

Ahead of the game, press coverage in both countries has focused on the tactical contrast between the two teams. Turkish outlets describe this match as crucial for Fenerbahçe’s European ambitions, highlighting the pressure to perform at home after a mixed start to the group stage. German media have praised Stuttgart’s recent domestic form and organisation under Hoeneß, portraying them as capable of securing a result even in a difficult away setting. Previews across Europe suggest that while Fenerbahçe hold the edge due to home advantage, Stuttgart’s structure and resilience could make this a close, tactical battle.

Studio analysts have been divided in their predictions, focusing heavily on the atmosphere in Istanbul and its potential impact. Many believe Fenerbahçe will try to start aggressively, using their forwards to press high and unsettle Stuttgart’s backline. Others note that Stuttgart’s composure and tactical flexibility could help them absorb pressure and strike on the counterattack. Pundits also point to both teams’ injury situations, predicting that squad depth could play a decisive role in the second half. The general consensus among analysts is that the game will be tight, likely decided by a single moment of quality or a defensive lapse, with both sides evenly matched on paper.

Watch and Download Fenerbahçe vs VfB Stuttgart full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 23, 2025. The match played at Chobani Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi, in Europa League, UEFA.

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