Why Sebastian Hoeneß's VfB Stuttgart can win the Europa League
Overcoming Celtic 4-2 on aggregate to set up a round of 16 tie against Porto, VfB Stuttgart are mounting a serious challenge in this season’s competition. Here’s why Sebastian Hoeneß’s charges can go the entire way…
With 19 goals after 10 games, the Swabians are the competition's joint top scorers. Bilal El Khannouss struck a brace in Stuttgart's knockout play-off first leg victory over their Scottish counterparts as his side exhibited a finishing masterclass, winning 4-1 in Glasgow.
Additionally, Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović - who had a goal ruled out for offside - are in excellent form themselves. Undav has already plundered eight goals and provided seven assists in all competitions in 2026, while his Bosnian teammate has returned five goals, with the attacking pair combining for VfB's first of four goals in a 4-0 victory against Wolfsburg on Matchday 24.
Possessing two of Europe’s clinical goal-getters, Stuttgart’s attacking duo are a force to be reckoned with. What’s more, Hoeneß has a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal with Jamie Leweling - who struck twice against Wolfsburg - and Tiago Tomás also among the goals against Celtic.
Watch: Every Undav goal this season
Stuttgart’s statement win over Celtic has also put Europa League participants on red alert, and rightly so. VfB picked up maximum points at home in the league phase, establishing the MHPArena into a fortress with 11 goals in four games which included key victories over Celta Vigo, Feyenoord and Young Boys.
After securing just their second away win in this season’s edition, Leweling lauded his team’s performance against Celtic. “It’s always been hard away from home, so a 4-1 win here is a statement,” he said.
Despite a 1-0 defeat in the second leg, an aggregate victory set up a favourable last 16 tie. "It’s great to be back in the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in 13 years," said Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB's board member for sport, who is looking forward to a clash against Porto.
"We’re facing a side who qualified automatically for the round of 16 after finishing fifth in the league phase, and who are top of the Portuguese league too," he added. "A big challenge lies in store, but we’re looking forward to it with respect, confidence and great excitement.”
Just two points separated Stuttgart and their round of 16 opponent in the league phase and with their uptick in form coming at a crucial period in the season, Hoeneß’s men continue to march on.
Watch: Stuttgart start 2026 in style
Attacking on all fronts, Stuttgart have scored 33 goals and recorded four clean sheets since the turn of the year and with just three defeats in 14 games across all competitions in 2026, the Swabians are in sensational form with their only losses coming against Roma and St. Pauli, and Celtic.
Possessing a finely balanced team, VfB boast one of the strongest squads in the 2025/26 Europa League season, blending youth with experience to create a strong spine.
Shot-stopper Alexander Nübel provides solidity between the sticks while Finn Jeltsch, having won the prestigious 2025 Fritz Walter Gold medal in the U19s category, has established himself at the heart of defence alongside the experienced Jeff Chabot.
In midfield, Angelo Stiller continues to make a name for himself in the engine room. Only five players have completed more passes in this season’s competition than the German’s 537.
Having formed a formidable partnership with Atakan Karazor and young Spaniard Chema Andrés waiting in the wings, VfB are well stocked in the middle of the park and with Undav - who recently struck his 50th goal for VfB in all competitions - and Co. firing on all cylinders in the final third, are developing themselves into a powerhouse once again.
With a runners-up finish in the Bundesliga in 2024 and last year's DFB Cup triumph, Hoeneß has instilled a winning mentality within the club. An enticing last 16 tie against Porto awaits Stuttgart, who are in an excellent position to mount a European charge as the Swabians continue their fine campaign.
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