VfB Stuttgart begin the 2026/27 Bundesliga season in the worst possible position, sitting last in the table with zero points after a 5-1 defeat at Bayern Munich on matchday one. The scoreline told a harsh story. Stuttgart showed genuine spirit in the opening quarter-hour, with Tiago Tomas hitting the post, but Bayern took control and the game collapsed in the second half. Captain Deniz Undav was blunt afterwards, saying goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow had kept the margin respectable and that Stuttgart made the wrong decisions in key moments. Sebastian Hoeneß acknowledged his side must improve, though he noted Bayern would likely beat most opponents by similar margins.

The result arrived at the end of a transfer window that reshaped the squad. Midfielder Chema Andres joined Brighton for up to 23 million euros after just one season, while winger Badredine Bouanani completed a loan move to Rangers with an option to buy worth around 19 million euros. Teenage prospect Mirza Catovic left on loan to Barcelona's second side. Against that outflow, Stuttgart held firm on Jamie Leweling despite a concrete offer of over 35 million euros from AS Roma and reported interest from Borussia Dortmund. The Germany international stays and will feature in both the Bundesliga and Champions League, where Stuttgart face Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Galatasaray among others in the league phase. Bilal El Khannouss also remains, though his limited role under Hoeneß has caused friction.

Facing FC Koeln at home on matchday two tonight, Stuttgart need a response quickly. Koeln arrive in form after beating Hoffenheim 3-2 on the opening weekend, and Stuttgart's defensive record, nine goals conceded across their last five matches, will concern Hoeneß as he works with a thinned squad.