RB Leipzig – VfB Stuttgart
Three Stuttgart wins in a row, Leipzig under pressure in the race for Europe, plus a cup finalist who doesn’t want to lose momentum – there could hardly be more excitement on the last matchday. RB Leipzig are in 7th place after only four wins in their last 16 games and desperately need points against the in-form Swabians to at least reach the Conference League. VfB, on the other hand, is traveling with momentum: the 4-0 win against Augsburg and the prospect of the final in Berlin have further boosted the confidence of Sebastian Hoeneß’ team. Nevertheless, the coach is deliberately refraining from resting players, because rhythm is important. Leipzig’s task is made more difficult by a long list of absentees, while there is unrest at the club over 16 expiring contracts. Accordingly, there is a lot of explosive potential in this duel, which will set the course for both clubs in the summer break.
Leipzig – Stuttgart info
- Venue: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
- Date and time: May 17, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga (Matchday 34)
Leipzig form & record check
RB Leipzig has been oscillating between impressive flashes of attacking brilliance and fragile defending for weeks. A single win from their last five games (3-2 in Wolfsburg) was not enough, with the 4-0 defeat in Frankfurt and the 0-0 draw in Bremen exposing deficiencies in both penalty areas. Without injured key players Orbán, Henrichs, Schlager, and Haidara, as well as the suspended Klostermann, the team lacks stability, which is why they have conceded at least one goal in four of their last five games. Added to this is the uncertainty surrounding numerous contract issues. Xavi Simons remains the difference maker with nine goals and seven assists, but the consistency of those around him is crumbling. If Leipzig wants to secure a place in Europe, the defense needs to become more reliable quickly.
Zsolt Löw is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation. Gulácsi will start in goal, in front of an improvised back four of Bitshiabu, Lukeba, Nedeljković, and Raum. Seiwald will anchor the defense, Baumgartner and Vermeeren will provide balance, while Simons will play the creative role. Up front, the physically strong duo of Openda and Šeško will lead the attack. Löw doesn’t have much room for experimentation given the absences.
Stuttgart form & record check
Stuttgart’s 4-0 win over Augsburg not only shook off the frustration of previous inconsistent away performances, but also showed that their offense and counterpressing are working again. Nevertheless, their away record is mixed: a narrow 1-0 win at St. Pauli and a spectacular 4-4 draw in Berlin. Four of their last five games ended in a draw at half-time, with no defeats up to that point. In terms of personnel, the absence of Angelo Stiller weighs heavily, Finn Jeltsch is injured, but Hoeneß is relying on continuity. Leweling, Undav, Führich, and Woltemade form a versatile quartet that has scored at least once in four of the last five games. A win in Leipzig could secure ninth place in the table.
Stuttgart remains loyal to its 4-2-3-1 formation. Karazor and Millot form the double six, with Hendriks replacing the absent Stiller. Rouault, Ito, Mavropanos and Mittelstädt are expected to start at the back. In front of them, Leweling, Undav, Führich and Woltemade will provide pace and enthusiasm. Hoeneß emphasizes that despite the cup final, the team will go full throttle, so surprising rest days are unlikely.
H2H Leipzig – Stuttgart Head-to-head & statistics
None of the last five head-to-head matches ended in a draw, with Stuttgart winning the last three, including a 3-1 victory in the cup quarter-finals at the beginning of April. Both teams scored in all of the matches, with more than two goals always being scored. The second halves in particular regularly turned into spectacular affairs, often with at least two goals after the break. Tactically, Stuttgart seems to have found a key to both luring and punishing Leipzig’s defense. Whether this streak will continue remains to be seen, but the patterns clearly point to a high-scoring contest.
