Master’s comeback in Stuttgart: Leverkusen uses Bayern template spectacularly late

At VfB Stuttgart, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will not find your way on track. Nevertheless, victory in the final phase in the master manner. Bayer is still shortening the gap to Bayern Munich. On Sunday (March 16, 2025), Leverkusen won a late 4: 3 (0: 1) at VfB Stuttgart in a crazy game. This means that there is still six points behind Bavaria after their draw at Union Berlin.

Patrik Schick (90.+4) turned his 17th seasonor a game in which Leverkusen had looked long after the fourth competitive defeat in a row. “After the 3-2, I already had the feeling that this team has this will, this wish to fight to the end“, said coach Xabi Alonso:”This moment was important for everyone, especially for the players.“

Defender Jonathan Tah also made the Sportschau-Microphone “Passion and conviction“As a factors for the victory that is no longer considered possible. Ermedin Demivoric (15th), Nick Woltemade (48th) and an own goal of Granit Xhaka (63.) had in the lead 3-1 in a goal from Jeremie Frimpong (56.).

But Piero Hincapie (67th), Angelo Stiller (88th) into his own network and just chic the Werkelf brought three points as possible. Eight game days before the end, Leverkusen may still dream of another master coup. Stuttgart, which is now five games without a win, has no right contact with the European Cup starting places as a tenth (37 points). “After the two-goal lead we just got the goal too quickly“, VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß was annoyed in the sports show conversation. Otherwise he was satisfied with the appearance:”That was very passionate, very closed. “

Stuttgart initially significantly grippier than the master

Leverkusen was missing in the duel with the vice champion of the pre -season in addition to the injured playmaker Florian Wirtz, especially in half -time, the right excitement in the game. From the beginning, VfB Stuttgart was more determined in the game and grippier in the duels. This was also evident in the Swabian lead goal. Maximilian Mittelstädt actually had the ball too far on half -left, but went after and won the press against Jonathan Tah.

The ball went to the penalty area to Jamie Leweling over the very agile Woltemade. Bayer parried 04 goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky Stark. But Demirovic was more quick as a thought in the following and pressed the ball 1-0 over the line.

Enzo Millot with further good chances for VfB

The goal gave Stuttgart and the domestic stadium even more energy. The hosts celebrated every duel, while Leverkusen continued to search for his rhythm and the right sharpness. After 21 minutes, Alex Grimaldo found chic with a flank, but Leverkusen’s goal scorer clearly moved away. One of the few offensive actions by the Rhinelanders remained. In round one, Bayer 04 came to three degrees – none of them reached Alexander Nübel’s goal.

Stuttgart was more dangerous. Hincapie blocked in the highest need against the Enzo Millot (30th) walking through at the five and in added time it became even scarce. Again Millot (45.+1) was free to pass from Woltemade and failed due to Hradecky. Stiller’s margin could then block Hincapie.

Alonsos Plan A does not work

Bayer coach Xabi Alonso needed ideas. His plan with three sixers, of whom Exquiel Palacios most likely gave the landlord in terms of position, did not work. But with Leverkusen, something changed after the break neither in terms of personnel nor from the way of playing.

The receipt for this was quick. The quiruled millot prevailed against the Frimpong and Nordi Mukiele, which were too passive. Tah lost the orientation and did not follow afterwards. And so Woltemade was able to run towards the goal alone after Millots Pass and put it with a precise shot at the bottom left of the 2-0.

Plan B applies to Leverkusen

Leverkusen needed impulses. And there was. First on the field with Frimpong’s goal for 1: 2. And shortly afterwards Alonso brought more offensive forces into play with Victor Boniface and Amine Adli (57th). The game became more open and wilder. With Leverkusen’s more offensive orientation, Stuttgart also got more space.

The team of coach Sebastian Hoeneß used it. Leweling started on the right in a counterattack and found Woltemade in the middle. Hradecky clarified the attempt from five meters very strongly, but exactly on the chest of Xhaka – from where the ball jumped into the goal to 3-1. Nevertheless, Leverkusen tried to give the game a different shoot. Hincapie succeeded 2: 3 after a corner. And suddenly the guests were actually back.

Late reward for more courage

Leverkusen did his broadly positioned offensive operation. Boniface in particular caused much more assertiveness. Adli (82nd) ​​had a huge chance at the presentation of Mukiele from five meters. Bayer 04 continued, pressed and rewarded. Boniface moved to the penalty area via left. His actually poorly scheduled Schlenzer extended silenter unhappily to 3: 3 in his own goal.

Suddenly the whole game wiggled. The Alonso team developed the Vibe from the pre-season and actually set the decisive goal in added time. Frimpong prevailed on the right. His flank pressed Schick on the right handle of the penalty area to 4: 3 into the far corner. The rest were cheering grapes and exuberant emotions. From a long -time frustrating evening, the final sprint for Leverkusen may have become an important kick in the championship duel with Bayern Munich.

Stuttgart to Frankfurt, Leverkusen against Bochum

The next top game is scheduled for the frustrated Stuttgart team instead. Then it goes to Eintracht Frankfurt (29.03.2025, 6.30 p.m.). Leverkusen previously opened the 27th matchday on Friday evening (8.30 p.m.) at home against VfL Bochum.