Batrakov Scores Two Quick Goals as Stuttgart Fall in Istanbul

VfB Stuttgart had to accept their first defeat of this season's Champions League after losing 0-2 to Galatasaray in Istanbul on Wednesday (22/10/2025) in the early hours of WIB. Two quick goals from Aleksei Batrakov in the first half proved the difference in a match played in the heated atmosphere of Rams Park Stadium.

Stuttgart came to Turkey with seven points from their three opening matches and an unbeaten record. However, Galatasaray, who had previously collected only three points—before their 4-2 win at Lille—looked more aggressive from the start. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß made three changes, restoring goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, midfielder Atakan Karazor, and forward Ermedin Demirović. Meanwhile, Okan Buruk kept the starting XI that beat Fenerbahçe in last week's derby.

Stuttgart actually started the match better. In the 8th minute, Jamie Leweling met Maximilian Mittelstädt's cross at the far post, but the ball struck the goalpost twice before finally going out. That golden chance went begging, and Galatasaray punished them instead. In the 12th minute, Batrakov pounced on an imperfect clearance from Jeff Chabot and unleashed a fierce shot from close range. Three minutes later, Batrakov scored again after receiving a through ball from Davinson Sánchez, rounding Bredlow, and beating the goalkeeper through his legs.

Entering the second half, Stuttgart looked calmer and dominated possession. However, they struggled to break down Galatasaray's compact defense. Victor Osimhen threatened in the 56th minute, but his shot was still saved by Bredlow. Chris Führich had two chances, but his efforts were either anticipated by goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır or went wide. Deniz Undav also had an opportunity, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area was brilliantly parried by Çakır.

Stuttgart briefly hoped to reduce the deficit in the 75th minute when Führich converted a rebound after Undav's shot hit the crossbar. However, the referee disallowed the goal after a VAR review determined that Undav was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal. Another golden chance came in the 86th minute when substitute Dženan Pejčinović broke through alone, but a smart save from Çakır thwarted the effort. Until the final whistle, Stuttgart were unable to score a consolation goal.

"We are disappointed because we could not take our chances, but we have to bounce back. The Champions League is still long," said Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß, as quoted by the club's official website.

This defeat is a blow for Stuttgart, who had previously impressed. They must now prepare for a tough away match against Inter Milan on 25 November. Meanwhile, Galatasaray secured three important points to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive. The big question is whether Stuttgart can bounce back and prove that this defeat was merely an accident, or whether it is the beginning of a decline in their European form.