VfB Stuttgart 3-4 Bayer Leverkusen: Die Werkself stage late comeback to outlast hosts in seven-goal thriller

Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit twice to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory against VfB Stuttgart at the MHPArena. This win narrowed the gap to the top of the Bundesliga to six points and extended their unbeaten streak in away league matches to 30.

Despite having not won against Leverkusen at this venue for 15 years, Stuttgart's recent three-match losing streak made this an opportune moment for them to face their opponents.

Stuttgart capitalized on their struggling rivals within the first 15 minutes, as Jamie Leweling's angled shot was saved by Lukas Hradecky, only for Ermedin Demirovic to capitalize on the rebound and score.

Demirovic's goal marked his 10th of the season and came during his 150th appearance in the Bundesliga, energizing his team and leading to further opportunities, including a crucial intervention by Exequiel Palacios to block Enzo Millot's close-range shot.

Leverkusen gradually found their footing in the match, yet their attacking response was limited, while Stuttgart continued to threaten, with Hradecky making a save from Millot's attempt.

The visitors soon regretted their aggressive play at the start of the second half, as Millot exploited a counterattack with skillful footwork, setting up an unmarked Nick Woltemade to score in the bottom-left corner.

However, the reigning champions demonstrated their resilience, with Jeremie Frimpong reducing the deficit by slotting the ball into the far corner after Robert Andrich's shot was deflected into his path.

Leverkusen's efforts to equalize faced another challenge when Hradecky’s save from Demirovic's initial shot deflected off Granit Xhaka and into the net. Nevertheless, Piero Hincapie quickly responded by scoring with a powerful header past Alexander Nubel following a corner, bringing the score to 3-2.

Opportunities arose and faded for Xabi Alonso's team, but they ultimately secured an equalizer with only three minutes remaining, as Angelo Stiller redirected Victor Boniface's cross past Nubel.

In a manner reminiscent of their performances last season, they clinched a remarkable stoppage-time victory with a header from Patrik Schick, who found the near post following a cross from Frimpong.

As a result, Leverkusen's impressive away streak, which dates back to the 2022/23 season, remains unbroken, allowing them to capitalize on Bayern Munich's misstep.

Consequently, the gap to the top three has been reduced to six points, while Stuttgart now faces an eight-point deficit if they aim to replicate last season's success and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

This is the current state of affairs at the top of the Bundesliga.

SportsLigue