Kompany relishing test against Bayern´s ´toughest opponents´ Stuttgart

Vincent Kompany insisted his Bayern Munich team would have to battle past one of their “toughest opponents” in Stuttgart in order to retain their Bundesliga title.

Bayern are on the cusp of a 35th top-flight title after Borussia Dortmund were beaten 2-1 by Hoffenheim, with a point at Allianz Arena on Sunday enough for Kompany’s team to claim the crown.

However, they come up against a Stuttgart side with ambitions of their own, with Sebastian Hoeness’ team in the mix to reach the Champions League in back-to-back seasons.

With 56 points after 29 games, Stuttgart are enjoying their third-best Bundesliga season in the three-points-for-a-win era. Only in 2003-04 (57) and 2023-24 (63) have they had more points at this stage of a campaign.

Stuttgart have only surpassed 17 wins after 29 Bundesliga games in 2023-24 (20), and Kompany acknowledged the difficulties the champions elect will face on home turf.

“The title only plays a role at the end of the season. We’re playing one of the toughest opponents,” Kompany told reporters.

“If you look at how the recent encounters went, it was always very tight. I’m expecting physicality in the game. Stuttgart aren’t just a good team but also physical.

“They can also be a threat from long balls. They have the second-best attack [in the Bundesliga]. It’s a good game for the fans. There’ll be a lot going on.”