Ingolstadt vs Stuttgart II: 3. Liga Mid-Table Clash Preview
Ingolstadt, 24 January 2026 – The 3. Liga fixture between FC Ingolstadt 04 and VfB Stuttgart II on Saturday 24 January 2026 presents a classic mid-table encounter. Both sides, currently positioned in the lower half of the table, will be looking to build momentum in the second half of the season.
Form and Recent History
FC Ingolstadt, under the continued leadership of Sabrina Wittmann, have established themselves as a solid, mid-table side in Germany’s third division. Their 10th-place finish in the 2024/25 season was built on a potent attack, scoring 72 goals, but a leaky defence conceded 63. The “Schanzers” have started the 2025/26 campaign in a similar vein, sitting 17th after nine matches with a record of one win, five draws, and three losses. Their home form has been a particular concern, with just one win from four matches at the Audi Sportpark.
VfB Stuttgart II, the reserve team of the Bundesliga giants, returned to the 3. Liga for the 2024/25 season after promotion. Led by Nico Willig, the young side finished a respectable 15th last term. Their current 13th-place standing (three wins, three draws, three losses) reflects a team still finding its feet at this level, with a particular struggle on the road, having taken just one point from four away matches.
Key Facts & Statistics
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | FC Ingolstadt 04 vs VfB Stuttgart II |
| Competition | German 3. Liga (Round 21) |
| Date & Time | Saturday 24 January 2026, 13:00 UTC (14:00 CET) |
| Venue | Audi Sportpark, Ingolstadt |
| Capacity | 15,200 |
| Head Coach (Ingolstadt) | Sabrina Wittmann |
| Head Coach (Stuttgart II) | Nico Willig |
| 2024/25 3. Liga Finish | Ingolstadt: 10th (54 pts) | Stuttgart II: 15th (47 pts) |
| Current Form (Last 5) | Ingolstadt: D-D-L-W-W | Stuttgart II: L-W-D-L-W |
| Top Scorer (Current Season) | Ingolstadt: Marcel Costly (8 goals) | Stuttgart II: Mohamed Sankoh (4 goals) |
| Average Goals Scored (2025/26) | Ingolstadt: 1.67 | Stuttgart II: 1.00 |
| Average Goals Conceded (2025/26) | Ingolstadt: 1.56 | Stuttgart II: 1.56 |
| Head-to-Head Record (Since 2024) | Stuttgart II lead: 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses |
Match Preview & Tactical Outlook
This match pits Ingolstadt’s attacking intent against Stuttgart II’s need to address their travel sickness. The home side will rely on the experience of players like captain Lukas Fröde and top scorer Marcel Costly (8 goals this season) to break down a Stuttgart II defence that has kept only one clean sheet in nine matches.
For Stuttgart II, the challenge will be to find a balance between their own attacking ambitions and the need to be more compact defensively. Young talents like Mohamed Sankoh (4 goals) and Justin Diehl will be crucial in providing a threat on the counter-attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3. Liga?
The 3. Liga is the third tier of professional football in Germany. It sits directly below the 2. Bundesliga and above the Regionalligas. The league consists of 20 teams, with the top two gaining automatic promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, and the third-placed team entering a promotion play-off.
Where do these teams play their home matches?
FC Ingolstadt 04 play their home matches at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt, which has a capacity of 15,200. VfB Stuttgart II, as a reserve team, play their home matches at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena in Aspach, with a capacity of 10,001.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Ingolstadt, the attacking threat will likely come from striker Marcel Costly, who has scored eight goals in the current campaign. For Stuttgart II, the creative spark often comes from midfielder Nicolas Sessa, who has created the most big chances for the side this season.
What is at stake in this match?
With both teams currently positioned in the lower half of the table, a win could provide a vital boost in their respective bids to climb away from the relegation zone. For Ingolstadt, it is a chance to improve their poor home form, while for Stuttgart II, it is an opportunity to secure a rare away victory.