UEFA Champions League: Stuttgart – Viking FK, differing aspirations for a first night on the European stage.

VfB Stuttgart makes its return to European competition on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The German club faces Viking FK at the MHPArena in the opening match of the 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League. This match is special as Stuttgart returns to the tournament after a season away, while the Norwegian club makes its debut in the group stage of the Champions League.

Qualified by finishing 4th in the Bundesliga last season, Stuttgart enters this new campaign with the ambition to capitalize on its return to the elite of European football. However, Sebastian Hoeneß's men have had a mixed start to the season in the league, with two wins and one loss in their first three matches. They have scored nine goals but have also conceded seven.

The Swabians can rely on the advantage of playing at home. Hoeneß believes his team is well-prepared for this first European encounter and is excited to start the campaign in front of Stuttgart's supporters. The German coach, however, remains cautious against a well-structured Viking team capable of posing challenges with a defensive tactic.

Viking, the newcomer aiming to create a surprise

On the other hand, Viking FK is making history. The Norwegian club is participating in the group stage of the Champions League for the first time. Their schedule looks particularly tough, with matches against Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Atlético de Madrid, Feyenoord, and Napoli.

Past encounters give Stuttgart a slight historical advantage. The two teams have never met, while Viking has only won 2 of its 11 European matches against German clubs. The Norwegian club also has no victories in six visits to Germany, with a record of one draw and five losses.

For Stuttgart, the goal will be to take advantage of this first European night at home to quickly gather points. For Viking, this match represents an opportunity to prove that its status as a newcomer does not hinder its ambitions.