VfB Stuttgart are preparing for their Bundesliga home match against 1. FC Cologne on 4 September 2026 while dealing with injury concerns. Simultaneously, a detailed analysis of their 1-5 opening defeat to Bayern Munich has emerged, a result that leaves the club 18th in the table with 0 points and a goal difference of -4.
1. FC Cologne will travel to Stuttgart with significant absences. The goalscorers from their first win of the season, Said El Mala and Thijs Dallinga, could not complete the final training session. El Mala is suffering from a severe cold, Dallinga from gastrointestinal problems. Cologne coach René Wagner commented, "For both, it looks like it could be tight." Both players did not travel with the team on Thursday afternoon.
For VfB Stuttgart, this represents a tactical advantage, but their own squad is also depleted. Six players are currently on the injury list, which can be viewed on our injuries page. These include Dan Zagadou, Dennis Seimen, and Leo Sauer. This shortage could influence coach Sebastian Hoeneß's lineup, especially considering the upcoming fixtures.
The website Bavarian Football Works published an extensive analysis of the 1-5 loss at FC Bayern. According to it, Stuttgart started exceptionally strong and dominated the first half. The Swabians' quick passing and aggressive play made the record champions look ordinary. However, a monstrous defensive performance from Bayern's Kim Min-jae and Manuel Neuer prevented earlier goals.
The turning point came in the 52nd minute with Josha Vagnoman's equalizer to make it 1-1. This seemed to wake Bayern up. Just three minutes later, Michael Olise scored to put Munich ahead. Another three minutes later, Vagnoman unfortunately turned a Davies cross into his own net. Those three minutes decided the match, as the analysis notes. Stuttgart were exhausted afterwards and could no longer control Bayern's subsequent onslaught.
The heavy defeat at the Allianz Arena has placed VfB Stuttgart at the bottom of the standings. With 0 points from one game and a goal difference of 1:5, the club is under early pressure. They already trail leaders Bayern Munich by three points. The next opportunity to gain points comes immediately on Friday at home.
Against 1. FC Cologne, who currently sit in 6th place, Stuttgart urgently need to show a reaction. A win would be important not only for the table but also for morale after the disastrous season start. Personnel problems on both sides will significantly shape this duel. The current squad overview shows the options available to Hoeneß.
Bild Sport also reports on a major sporting event coming to the city. The Red Bull Cerro Abajo, a global urban downhill mountain bike series, will hold its season finale for the first time in Germany under the motto "D’ Stäffele nonder". This event, however, is independent of the activities of the VfB Stuttgart football club and has no impact on match operations.
The club's focus is entirely on a sporting turnaround. The home match against Cologne on 4 September 2026 is the next mandatory task for a team in desperate need of points to climb out of the relegation zone.
