VfB Stuttgart began the new Bundesliga season with a sobering 5-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, a result that exposed both the gulf between the two clubs and the scale of Stuttgart's current injury problems. Sebastian Hoeneß's side showed early promise at the Allianz Arena, pressing Bayern and creating chances in the opening quarter-hour, but were ultimately overwhelmed as the champions pulled clear after the break. Captain Deniz Undav was blunt in his assessment, saying goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow's outstanding performance had prevented a far heavier scoreline.

The result sits within a broader context of significant squad disruption. Stuttgart arrived in Munich without a string of key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Dennis Seimen, defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, and the unlucky Nikolas Nartey, who had emerged as a surprise winner of pre-season before suffering a hamstring injury in the DFB-Pokal opener against Hansa Rostock. Josha Vagnoman, restored to the starting line-up only because of Nartey's absence, scored Stuttgart's sole goal before conceding an own goal in difficult circumstances.

Off the pitch, the transfer window has added its own uncertainty. Ermedin Demirovic turned down a move to Galatasaray, choosing to stay and fight for his place, while reports link midfielder Bilal El Khannouss with Newcastle United as the window nears its close. Stuttgart have blocked any exit for El Khannouss unless a significant fee arrives. Stuttgart sit bottom of the table after one game, though a home fixture against FC Koeln on September 4 offers an early chance to recover some confidence.