VfB Stuttgart used the international break to play a friendly match against 1. FC Heidenheim. The fixture took place on Friday, 25 September, at 14:30 UTC and served as an important training exercise ahead of the team's next competitive match. Following two consecutive Bundesliga defeats, the side aimed to rebuild some positive momentum.
The situation is clear: Stuttgart sit 15th in the table with three points from four games. The recent 0-1 home loss to Dortmund was their second defeat in a row. Their form over the last five competitive matches reads two wins and three losses, with a goal difference of 6:9. The friendly provided a chance to work on details in a non-competitive setting. The full starting lineup from the Dortmund match was available for the test, including J. Vagnoman, who is currently the club's top scorer this season with two goals.
Stuttgart's next official match is an away trip to face SC Paderborn 07 on 10 October. Preparation for that game began with the test against Heidenheim. The second-division side from Heidenheim came into the match in solid form, unbeaten in their last four league outings. For Stuttgart, it was the final opportunity to play in a match scenario before the trip to Paderborn. The focus was on shoring up the defence and improving chance conversion.
