Europa League: Slovan Bratislava vs. VfB Stuttgart
SK Slovan Bratislava finished second behind MSK Zilina in the 2009/10 Corgon Liga, Slovakia’s top division, earning the right to compete in the Europa League qualifiers. On their way to the Europa League group stage, Slovan Bratislava face one final obstacle in the form of Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart—and a particularly formidable one at that. Only the winner of this two-legged playoff, played on the 19th and 26th, will secure a place in the lucrative main competition, formerly known as the UEFA Cup. On August 19, VfB Stuttgart will first visit Stadion Pasienky, where Slovan Bratislava have played their home matches since the start of this season—the perfect opportunity to combine a holiday in Slovakia with top-class football. The return leg will take place a week later at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, VfB Stuttgart’s home ground.
Slovan Bratislava trifft im Playoff zur Europa League auf den VfB Stuttgart.
Date: 30/09/2026
In the third qualifying round of the Europa League, Slovan Bratislava eliminated Serbian side Crvena Zvezda. A 1–1 draw in the return leg at home in Slovakia was enough for the capital’s historic club to advance to the Europa League playoffs, following a 2–1 win in Serbia. VfB Stuttgart, meanwhile, had a surprisingly difficult time. After a 3–2 victory in Norway over Molde FK, they seemed certain to progress. But in Swabia, the Norwegians showed their strength away from home and even took a 2–0 lead. Only in the closing stages did VfB Stuttgart turn things around, salvaging a 2–2 draw.
Historically, Slovan Bratislava are one of Slovakia’s most successful clubs, but in recent years they have had some difficult times. In the 2003/04 season, Slovan Bratislava finished bottom of the table and were unceremoniously relegated to the Second Division. They were promoted back in the 2005/06 season. Even so, the capital club’s trophy cabinet is an impressive one: 17 league titles (9 in Slovakia, 8 in Czechoslovakia), 15 cup wins (10 in Slovakia, 5 in Czechoslovakia), and a European Cup Winners’ Cup title in 1969. Slovan Bratislava last won the Slovak league title in the 2008/09 season.
Kai Rebmann
Photo: VfB Stuttgart
