New battle - This time on the field

The 2025 Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup is set for tonight, when Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich face DFB-Pokal holders VfB Stuttgart at the MHP Arena. The match marks the first-ever Supercup to carry the name of the late Franz Beckenbauer, a fitting honor for the legendary “Kaiser” whose legacy continues to define German football.

This encounter brings together two clubs deeply familiar with one another. Bayern and Stuttgart have clashed 162 times in their history — more than against any other opponent. Bayern hold the upper hand with 95 wins, including a pair of emphatic victories last season (3–1 and 4–0), while Stuttgart have managed 38 wins in the series.

Bayern enter the contest as Bundesliga title-holders, adding yet another domestic crown to their record collection, while Stuttgart booked their ticket by lifting the DFB-Pokal after a thrilling 4–2 triumph over Arminia Bielefeld in May.

For Bayern, this will be their 14th appearance in a Supercup final, having missed the event only twice since its inception. Their last triumph came in 2022 against RB Leipzig. Stuttgart, meanwhile, will take part for just the second time, moving them up to third in the all-time participation list. Their debut came last year in a narrow defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.

The build-up to this year’s match has been dominated by the ongoing transfer saga of Nick Woltemade. Bayern’s initial offer of 40 million euros plus bonuses was dismissed by Stuttgart as “laughable.” A second, more complex 60 million euros package also fell short, with Stuttgart standing firm on their 75 million euros valuation.

Bayern's confusing transfer window

Tensions have risen, with Woltemade’s representatives accusing the club of blocking his dream move, while coach Sebastian Hoeness is even rumored to be considering leaving him out of the squad altogether.

Adding another layer to the story, Stuttgart are reportedly exploring a loan deal for Bayern’s young talent Paul Wanner, who could help cover the creative void left by Enzo Millot’s 28 million euros move to Saudi side Al-Ahli — one of the club’s biggest sales in history.

While the Supercup trophy itself is often seen as symbolic, the stakes on Saturday feel far greater. For Bayern, it’s the chance to make an immediate statement: the road to defending their Bundesliga crown starts here. For Stuttgart, it’s the opportunity to show they can challenge the dominance of the champions and prove that last season’s cup triumph was no one-off.

DFL Supercup

Saturday

21.30: (5.90) Stuttgart (4.20) Bayern (1.55)

***odds are subject to change***