When VfB landed in Bratislava, the pilot offered a special message for his passengers from the cockpit: “Welcome to Bratislava and good luck for your match tomorrow.”
The kind gesture was warmly received ahead of the team’s fourth away game in the current Champions League campaign. VfB are looking to claim a third victory when they take on SK Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday evening (kick-off 21:00 CET) as they bid to secure a place in the knockout phase.
Sebastian Hoeneß had no hesitation when was asked about the significance of the game: “Top priority, top level. The Champions League is a wonderful journey for us and we’d like it to continue for a while longer.”
His players are in good physical shape, mentally prepared and have a clear game plan. Having enjoyed a successful start to 2025 with three wins from as many Bundesliga games, VfB are going into the match full of confidence – but wary of the opposition.
No complacency
“Bratislava’s main strength is their ability in transition,” added the 42-year-old coach, whose players will need to be on high alert when in possession. “It’ll be important that we’re very well organised in terms of our positioning to prevent counter-attacks.”
The record Slovakian champions may not have won a single point in the Champions League this season but they have nevertheless shown their quality; in defeats against Milan (3-2) and Atletico Madrid (3-1) it was only small details that decided the outcome.
Mittelstädt available again
Hoeneß also had positive news to report on the personnel front. Maximilian Mittelstädt has overcome muscular complaints and is able to play, as is everyone else registered in the Champions League squad. VfB are prepared and ready, then, and would no doubt have nothing against a congratulatory message from the cockpit ahead of their flight home.