Stuttgart vs. Paris Saint-Germain | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

One of the most enticing games of matchday eight in the league phase of the Champions League will see Stuttgart welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the MHPArena in a battle to reach the playoffs. This clash carries immense significance for both teams, as they look to cement their places in the knockout stage amidst a fiercely competitive league phase.

In a scenario UEFA was hoping to avoid by scheduling all 18 games simultaneously this Wednesday, a draw in this fixture will see both sides progress, barring the most extraordinary set of results elsewhere. Both clubs currently sit just inside the top 24 on 10 points, and if they reach 11, it is difficult to envisage a scenario where enough teams overtake them to deny qualification. However, with an opportunity to be seeded in the playoffs at stake, both Stuttgart and PSG will have their eyes firmly set on securing all three points rather than settling for a draw.

Stuttgart’s preparation for this crucial encounter has been less than ideal, as they suffered their first defeat of 2025 over the weekend, falling 2-0 to Mainz. Prior to that, Sebastian Hoeness’s side had enjoyed a flawless start to the year, claiming victories over Augsburg, RB Leipzig, and Freiburg in the Bundesliga, in addition to their 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on matchday seven of the Champions League. While they remain in the top four domestically, their immediate focus will be on avoiding elimination from Europe’s premier competition.

Sitting in 24th place, Stuttgart are in a precarious position. A defeat could see them overtaken by the likes of Manchester City, Dinamo Zagreb, and Shakhtar Donetsk, all of whom remain in contention for a place in the playoffs. Their home form in Europe does not inspire much confidence either; their emphatic 5-1 victory over Young Boys remains their only win in their last 10 European home fixtures. However, Stuttgart will take solace in the fact that they have lost just one of their four previous encounters with French teams at the MHPArena, winning two of those games.

PSG’s record on German soil does not make for great reading either. The French giants have lost on eight of their 13 visits to Germany in European competition, winning just two. Their most recent trip ended in disappointment, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich earlier in this campaign. That said, confidence within the PSG camp will be sky-high after their exhilarating 4-2 win over Manchester City on matchday seven, a result that revitalized their Champions League campaign.

Luis Enrique’s men are now on the brink of winning three consecutive Champions League games for the first time under his stewardship. The last PSG manager to achieve such a feat was Thomas Tuchel in 2020. At one stage, it seemed unlikely that Enrique’s side would even come close to matching that record, particularly given their dismal run of four defeats in five away Champions League fixtures before they managed to turn their fortunes around against Red Bull Salzburg in December.

That crucial 3-0 victory set the stage for their comeback against Man City, where PSG found themselves 2-0 down before launching a remarkable resurgence. Goals from Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos in the closing stages secured a famous victory, rescuing their campaign and propelling them inside the playoff spots. Now, with a point enough to guarantee progression, PSG will be determined to avoid any late drama and book their place in the next round with a statement performance.

Historically, PSG have finished strong in this stage of the competition. They have won five of their last six group stage finales, drawing the other, and they will be desperate to continue that trend after what has been a turbulent league phase. While they may not have lived up to their usual high standards, they now have a golden opportunity to advance, and Enrique’s men will be keen to seize it.

Stuttgart will have to navigate this challenge without key defensive figure Anthony Rouault, who is suspended after picking up a booking in Slovakia last week. His absence will likely see former Burnley defender Ameen Al Dakhil step into the backline. Additionally, Stuttgart are dealing with a string of injuries, with El Bilal Toure (foot), Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee), Luca Raimund (hamstring), and Justin Diehl (hamstring) all set to miss out. There is also uncertainty surrounding Ermedin Demirovic’s place in the starting XI, with Jamie Leweling expected to retain his spot after netting twice against Bratislava.

Enzo Millot has been Stuttgart’s standout performer in the Champions League, with two goals and three assists to his name—an unprecedented tally for a Stuttgart player in a single European campaign. His creativity and influence in midfield will be crucial if Stuttgart are to pose a significant threat to PSG’s defense.

For PSG, Luis Enrique has the luxury of a fully fit squad at his disposal, with the exception of Nuno Mendes, who is suspended after receiving a booking against Man City. Given the significance of the match, Enrique is expected to field a strong starting lineup, making minimal changes from the team that triumphed over City. Ousmane Dembele is likely to replace Lee Kang-in in what could be the only tactical adjustment. Meanwhile, recent signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains ineligible for the Champions League, and Randal Kolo Muani has officially completed his loan move to Juventus.

With the stage set for a thrilling encounter, both teams will be acutely aware of what is at stake. Stuttgart will look to defy their inconsistent European home form and upset the odds, while PSG will aim to overcome their struggles in Germany and finish the league phase on a high. Whether Stuttgart can hold their nerve or PSG can deliver another attacking masterclass remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this is a match that promises drama, intensity, and potentially season-defining moments for both clubs.