VfB Stuttgart suffered its second defeat in the Europa League. At Fenerbahce Istanbul, the Swabians had little to think of offensively. Things became chaotic because of several penalty scenes.
In the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadı, one of the loudest stadiums in European football, VfB Stuttgart lacked offensive power in the duel with Fenerbahce Istanbul and deservedly lost 0:1 (0:1). Kerem Aktürkoglu scored the goal for Fener with a penalty kick (34th minute). After the opening win against Celta Vigo (2:1) and the defeat at FC Basel (0:2) VfB is in the bottom half of the Europa League table with three points from three games.
VfB with more ball possession, but without Determination
VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß had emphasized in advance how important it was to survive the home team’s strong initial phase. His team tried to take control of the game, which they initially succeeded in doing. VfB had around 60 percent possession of the ball in the first few minutes of the game, but did not create any scoring opportunities. The Stuttgart team lacked determination. VfB’s most dangerous final action before the break came from defender Luca Jaquez when he placed a header just wide of the right post (26′).
Fenerbahce, coached by Domenico Tedesco, looked braver and came closer to scoring the opening goal. VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel easily parried a header from Kerem Aktürkoglu (10th) and a low shot from Dorgeles Nene (14th). He had a little more trouble with a powerful attempt from Youssef En-Nesyri from a tight angle on the right side (21′).
Heated discussions about El Khannouss, Stiller causes a penalty
Shortly afterwards there was a heated discussion in the already heated atmosphere. Stuttgart’s creative player Bilal El Khannouss hit Edson Alvarez in the abdomen with a kick near the halfway line during a duel for the ball. Fener called for red, but El Khannouss got away with yellow.
After a good half hour, Stuttgart’s playmaker Angelo Stiller became the focus because he briefly held on to Fener captain Milan Skriniar in the penalty area after a corner, who gratefully accepted it and let himself fall. Referee Jakob Kehlet immediately pointed to the spot and gave Stiller a yellow card. Aktürkoglu converted the penalty kick halfway into the right corner as he saw it (34′).
Penalty taken back for Fenerbahce
The character of the game remained unchanged after halftime. Fener was more dangerous, played more passionately, and VfB didn’t have enough offensive options. The few shots, such as captain Atakan Karazor’s shot (52′) from around sixteen meters, were inaccurate and harmless.
After an hour, Fener was almost awarded the second penalty. After a mistake by VfB defender Jeff Chabot, Nene ran towards the goal alone. Jaquez could only stop him with a foul in the penalty area. Referee Kehlet awarded a penalty, but had to take it back shortly afterwards because the situation was considered offside.
Next VAR use: No penalty for VfB
The Danish referee also pointed to the spot on the other side. Stiller was hit by Alvarez after a shot inside the box with his leg stretched out. The scene seemed already over when Kehlet whistled for the penalty. The VAR intervened again and the referee again had to take back his original decision – although it is questionable whether it was really a clear wrong decision this time, after all Stiller was clearly hit.
Both penalty scenes heated up the atmosphere again. In front of around 3,000 VfB fans, substitute Deniz Undav had a great opportunity to equalize after a strong pass from El Khannouss. However, he hit the ball poorly from around twelve meters and pushed it past the goal to the right (82′). It remained 0-1, which puts VfB under pressure for the upcoming games in the Europa League.
VfB Stuttgart’s next opponents
On the next matchday (November 6th, 9 p.m.) VfB Feyenoord welcomes Rotterdam. The Bundesliga continues on (October 26th, 5:30 p.m.) with a home game against 1. FSV Mainz 05. Then the Swabians want to extend their series of four league wins in a row.
Broadcast on Friday, October 24th, 2025 at 6:00 a.m., SWR Aktuell in the morning, SWR Aktuell
