Stuttgart Dominates Leverkusen in Bundesliga Showdown

In recent seasons, the match between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart has consistently provided thrilling Bundesliga action, often featuring end-to-end play and dramatic late goals—typically scored by Leverkusen. However, the latest fixture suggests a shift in momentum, as Stuttgart decisively overwhelmed Leverkusen in the first half.

The scoring opened with Jamie Leweling, who capitalized on a precise pass from Deniz Undav to slot the ball past goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Stuttgart extended their lead when a foul on Josha Vagnoman resulted in a penalty, converted by Maximilian Mittelstadt to make it 2-0.

Leverkusen managed to create a few opportunities but failed to significantly challenge goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. Just before the end of the first half, Leweling struck again with a shot from outside the box, followed by Undav’s goal, solidifying Stuttgart’s lead at 4-0 and effectively putting the match out of reach.

While Stuttgart adopted a more conservative approach in the second half, Leverkusen found a glimmer of hope when Alejandro Grimaldo converted a penalty. Despite generating several chances that forced impressive saves from Nübel, Leverkusen could not replicate the thrilling 4-3 encounter from the previous season.

Historically a challenging opponent for Stuttgart, Leverkusen’s defeat today ends a streak of 15 matches without a win against them for the Swabians. Under coach Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen had occasionally benefitted from fortunate circumstances against Sebastian Hoeneß’s squad, particularly in tactical battles. However, today’s match saw Hoeneß outmaneuver his counterpart decisively.

Leverkusen had previously maintained a strong defensive structure, but Hoeneß’s tactical setup successfully bewildered their backline, leaving them vulnerable to the attacking threats posed by Undav and Leweling. It’s worth noting that Stuttgart’s main creative player for the first half of the season, Bilal El Khannous, is currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.

This emphatic victory serves as a vital statement for Stuttgart, signaling their resurgence. As they look toward the future, 2026 could potentially be a pivotal year for the club.

In terms of player performances, Jamie Leweling shone brightly with a score of 8, contributing significantly to the victory and marking a stellar run with three goals and two assists over the past three matches. His alignment alongside Undav in the attack proved effective, consistently troubling Leverkusen’s defense.

As we approach a World Cup year, the competition for wing positions in the German national team remains open. If Leweling continues his current form, he has certainly positioned himself as a strong candidate for Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad for the summer tournament.