Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 VfB Stuttgart: Andrich last-gasp strike rescues draw for hosts as record unbeaten run continues

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable undefeated streak continued as they secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against Stuttgart at the BayArena, thanks to an astonishing 97th-minute equalizer from Robert Andrich.

Despite already being crowned champions, Leverkusen were determined to maintain their unbeaten record for the season as they faced Stuttgart for the third time.

Die Werkself started the game brightly, with Jeremie Frimpong showcasing his speed and agility on the right flank. However, his lack of decisiveness in the final pass squandered an early opportunity.

As the match progressed, Stuttgart grew into the game and came close to breaking the deadlock when Serhou Guirassy narrowly missed a header.

On the other end, Alexander Nubel was called into action, deflecting Alejandro Grimaldo's strike into the path of Patrik Schick. Unfortunately, the Czech striker was off balance and volleyed over the crossbar with a clear chance to score.

Stuttgart's attacking threat was subdued in the first half, but they wasted no time in rectifying that after the break. Within two minutes of the second half, Jamie Leweling broke free on the right wing and forced a save from Lukas Hradecky. The rebound fell to Chris Fuhrich, who executed a magnificent first-time volley into the net, leaving the BayArena in silence.

Despite Leverkusen's reputation for comebacks, their unbeaten status was seriously threatened in the 57th minute. No team had managed to take a two-goal lead over Leverkusen in the league all season, but Deniz Undav changed that with his 18th Bundesliga goal, putting Stuttgart ahead 2-0.

Overall, it was a pulsating encounter that showcased Leverkusen's resilience and determination to maintain their unbeaten run, even after securing the championship title.

In spite of an anxious silence descending, it took the hosts a mere five minutes to retaliate. Grimaldo skillfully located Amine Adli, who managed to reduce the deficit, leaving plenty of time for further play.

They could have equalized shortly thereafter, but Nubel pulled off an extraordinary double save, denying Adli and then Jonas Hofmann from a close distance.

The hosts truly began to throw everything they had at preserving their unbeaten record. They believed they had leveled the game when Odilon Kossounou found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to Edmond Tapsoba being offside in the build-up.

However, as they have demonstrated numerous times in recent weeks, Leverkusen simply refuse to accept defeat, and that was evident once again in this remarkable turn of events.

Florian Wirtz's free-kick from the left was not successfully cleared, allowing Andrich to pounce on the loose ball from close range and score the equalizer, leaving Stuttgart in a state of shock.