A completely unleashed VfB Stuttgart defeated its “dreadnought opponent” Bayer Leverkusen with plenty of DFB power in an impressive manner – and collected big points in the fight for the premier class. The Swabians gave the runner-up no chance when they won 4-1 (4-0) in the top Bundesliga game and drew level with Leverkusen in the race for the Champions League (both 29 points).
The national players Jamie Leweling (7th/45th), Maximilian Mittelstädt (29th, penalty kick) and Deniz Undav (45th + 2) ensured clear conditions in the BayArena before the break. It was VfB’s first win against Bayer in over seven years and 15 competitive games. And: Sebastian Hoeneß also won against the Werkself for the first time in his coaching career at the twelfth attempt. Alejandro Grimaldo’s consolation goal didn’t change that (66′, penalty kick).
Hoeneß had previously emphasized that VfB naturally wanted to “change something” about the terrible outcome. Stuttgart had met Leverkusen in 29 competitive games since 2010, with only one win during that time. “The motivation is great,” said Hoeneß.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann’s seven potential World Cup candidates started with the Swabians – and they should initially be the main players. Early on, Josha Vagnoman’s header was denied by strong Bayer goalkeeper Mark Flekken (2nd). Leweling, however, stayed cool from close range after Deniz Undav set him up perfectly.
The duel, which had mostly been a spectacle over the past two years, lost some of its momentum after a fast-paced start. The guests still controlled the game – and remained dangerous: After Bayer’s Jeanuel Belocian had violently knocked Vagnoman off his feet, Mittelstädt casually converted the penalty.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand’s disappointing team, which had to do without striker Patrik Schick (muscular problems) for a short time, lacked penetration. And Bayer’s defensive performance was out of the question. Only Ezequiel Fernández caused any real danger, but VfB keeper Alexander Nübel parried the deflected ball outstandingly (32′).
Stuttgart, on the other hand, struck ice cold. Undav used Leweling again, which caught Flekken off guard. Undav made the double blow perfect: He held his own against Robert Andrich. Only once in its Bundesliga history was Bayer further behind at halftime: in October 2021 it was 0-5 against Bayern.
Hjulmand’s team tried to limit the damage. Martin Terrier (54th) and Ernest Poku (56th) lacked accuracy, but Nübel remained wide awake. Stuttgart defended with concentration in the final phase – with the exception of Jeff Chabot, who came late once against Malik Tillman and allowed Leverkusen to connect from the point through Grimaldo.
