FC Bayern can secure second place in the Bundesliga this weekend with victory away at third-placed VfB Stuttgart on Saturday (kick-off at 3.30pm CEST, live coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). A win would also be hugely important for confidence ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg away at Rea Madrid. Here’s all you need to know ahead of this Matchday 32 encounter in our preview.
Check out the photos from final training on Friday:
State of play
Bayern have proven in recent weeks that they’re able to manage the balance between the Bundesliga and big European fixtures, going six games without defeat in all competitions and only narrowly missing out on a first-leg victory in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Real Madrid. Thomas Tuchel and his team want to carry that momentum and desire into the final weeks of the season: “We have a few attractive jobs ahead of us. It’ll be very tough in Stuttgart, and on Wednesday we want to make our big goal a reality and reach the final of the Champions League.”
With this clash in Stuttgart to come and the prospect of Wembley in the back of their minds, Tuchel confirmed that there will likely be some rotation. “We’ll give a few players the chance to find some rhythm. We’ll obviously also take a few players out, allowing us to adapt our workload rhythm to Wednesday.” That doesn’t mean, though, that anything will change in the attitude of those players selected. “It doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility that those who play give their all and definitely show the grit needed to get a result there,” the 50-year-old demanded.
Read more from Tuchel at his pre-match press conference:
Opponent: VfB Stuttgart
They’ll also be playing Champions League football again in Stuttgart next season after Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain during the week secured the Bundesliga a fifth qualification berth for 2024/25. Given VfB are 19 points clear of sixth place, it means they are assured of their spot in the top five and will be playing in the top continental competition for the first time since 2009/10. “It’s simply incredible that we’ll be in the Champions League next year. It’s really special,” said a delighted coach Sebastian Hoeneß at his press conference.
It’s the latest highlight of Stuttgart’s upturn under the man who once guided Bayern’s reserves to the 3. Liga title. Their haul of 64 points is the best in the club’s history after 31 games. They have been particularly impressive at home, where they are unbeaten in 10 (W7, D3). And although the pressure is now off for the final three games, Hoeneß confirmed that they still have some targets this campaign: “We have an amazing game ahead of us against Bayern. We have the goal of finishing at least fourth and want to defend third place.”
Read up on the facts ahead of the game in Stuttgart:
Team news
Matthijs de Ligt and Jamal Musiala will both stay at home due to their niggles, as Tuchel confirmed on Friday. There’s also doubt over Dayot Upamecano’s involvement. Players who are definitely still out are Kingsley Coman (adductor), Sacha Boey (hamstring), Bouna Sarr (ACL) and Tarek Buchmann (muscular).
Stuttgart have Angelo Stiller available again following suspension, but this time are without Enzo Millot and Maximilian Mittelstädt as they serve bans for five yellow cards. The hosts are also without Dan-Axel Zagadou (ACL), Josha Vagnoman (metatarsal), Li Egloff and Roberto Massimo (both muscular).
What the coaches say
Stuttgart survived via the play-off last year and are now one of the best teams in the league. I believe they can play at the highest level in Europe. They consistently play at the upper limit.
Thomas Tuchel
Bayern will have Real Madrid in their minds and take that into account with their line-up. But it’ll still be a really top team. No matter what line-up, Bayern have picked up points in recent weeks.
Sebastian Hoeneß (VfB Stuttgart)
Topics of this article