BERLIN, Jan 28, (V7N)– Stuttgart are gearing up to host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Wednesday in a decisive Champions League group-stage clash that could see the German side reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2009-10.

While PSG are favorites, Stuttgart under head coach Sebastian Hoeness have repeatedly defied expectations, marking a dramatic resurgence over the past two seasons.

Coaching Impact: Appointed in April 2023, Hoeness saved Stuttgart from relegation in his first season. In 2023-24, he led the team to a second-place Bundesliga finish, 40 points better than the prior season, even outpacing Bayern Munich.

Challenges This Season: Despite losing key players like Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton over the summer, Stuttgart have maintained a strong position, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart only need a point against PSG to secure a place in the knockouts, barring an unlikely eight-goal win for Dinamo Zagreb against AC Milan.

The team’s campaign highlight so far was a 1-0 victory over Juventus in Turin, a game where Stuttgart controlled the tempo and handed the Italian giants their first loss of the season.

Stuttgart's star forward Deniz Undav, who opted to stay at the club permanently despite Premier League offers, remains optimistic:

On PSG: He acknowledged their strength, calling PSG a "brutal club with brutal players," but added, "Stuttgart are a huge club, and we want to show that on Wednesday."

On Strategy: Undav stressed Stuttgart won’t settle for a draw. "We have to win against Paris, then we'll be on the safe side."

Failing to make the Champions League top 24 would be unthinkable for PSG, given their domestic dominance and ambition in Europe. Despite their unbeaten Ligue 1 record, Stuttgart's sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth believes the "pressure is on" PSG.

Following Stuttgart’s 2-0 loss at Mainz over the weekend, their first defeat of the year, Hoeness promised a response:

"We'll convert the anger into energy for the next game. And that game is on Wednesday against Paris.

While rumors of a "non-aggression pact" between Stuttgart and PSG have been dismissed, both sides are expected to bring intensity. Stuttgart’s resurgence under Hoeness and their solid home form make them a formidable challenge, while PSG’s star power ensures an electrifying contest.

Stuttgart fans are hoping their team can deliver another upset andcontinue their Cinderella run in Europe’s elite competition.

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