Champions League Preview: Stuttgart Awaits This Match for Years, Slavia Prague Not Afraid of Bundesliga Teams

At 00:45 on October 2nd, in the second round of the first stage of the Champions League, Bundesliga team VfB Stuttgart will host Czech team AC Sparta Prague at their home ground.

This match holds historical significance for VfB Stuttgart. Stuttgart’s captain, Serezo, said, “This is the team’s first home game in the Champions League in 14 years, which has a special meaning to our fans and the team.” German media reported that Stuttgart will ignite a craze for the Champions League this time. Not only will the stadium be full, but many citizens will also gather in various squares to watch the game, with the entire city cheering, boosting the morale of the home team.

Stuttgart has been in good form recently. Although they lost to Real Madrid away in the first round of the Champions League, it was due to strength rather than form. In the last three rounds of the Bundesliga, Stuttgart achieved two wins and one draw. So far this season, Stuttgart’s attack has been fierce, scoring 26 goals in nine games, averaging 2.88 goals per game, leaving a deep impression.

AC Sparta Prague has also been in good form recently, winning four consecutive matches before and after their 3-0 victory over Salzburg in the first round of the Champions League. In the last league match, Sparta lost 2-3, but this was because the team made some rotations in preparation for the Champions League. Before the game, Sparta’s head coach stated at the press conference that the match would be very difficult, but Sparta also had its advantages, knowing each other well: “They play in one of the best leagues in the world, with many players I admire within the team. We have studied every recent match of theirs.”

In terms of head-to-head records, the two teams have only met once in recent years, with Sparta Prague defeating Stuttgart 2-0 in a friendly match in January 2023. If we only look at official competitions, according to UEFA statistics, Sparta has faced five different Bundesliga teams (Bayern Munich, Dortmund, Leverkusen) in 11 European matches, recording three wins, three draws, and four losses, not being at an obvious disadvantage, with better results compared to when they face opponents from the other top four leagues.

Regarding player availability, two players are confirmed to be absent from Stuttgart’s Champions League squad, namely Wagner Nman (muscle injury) and Zagadou (knee). Additionally, defender Stigio has a back injury and his participation is doubtful. For AC Sparta Prague, two players in their Champions League squad, Imanol (knee injury) and Kabaut (post-surgery recovery), are definitely absent, while central defender Matija Raus is suffering from mild concussion and his participation is doubtful.

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