Stuttgart take huge step towards the Champions League by downing Leverkusen
| Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images |
Following a frantic opening that produced two goals inside the first five minutes, Stuttgart gradually took complete control of the contest and fully deserved the three points in a hugely significant clash in the race for the top-four.
Leverkusen stunned the home crowd almost immediately with a dream start after just 35 seconds. Ibrahim Maza dispossessed Ramon Hendriks near the halfway line before feeding Christian Kofane, who cleverly teed up Aleix García inside the area. The Spaniard made no mistake, firing a first-time finish beyond Alexander Nübel at the near post to give Die Werkself the perfect opening.
The blistering tempo continued and Stuttgart responded in emphatic fashion just minutes later. Refusing to let the early setback affect them, the hosts levelled after some excellent combination play around the edge of the box involving Ermedin Demirović, Jamie Leweling and Nikolas Nartey. The move eventually released Demirović through on goal and the striker drilled his finish beyond Mark Flekken to restore parity at 1-1.
Both teams continued to attack relentlessly in an entertaining first half played at breakneck speed. Stuttgart came close to turning the game around midway through the half when Chris Führich beat Jarrel Quansah down the flank before pulling the ball back to Demirović, who looked certain to score only for Edmond Tapsoba to produce a remarkable last-ditch block.
Just as the game appeared set to head into half-time level, Stuttgart were handed a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time. Tapsoba went from hero to villain after clumsily bringing down Demirović inside the area, with the penalty awarded following a VAR review. Maximilian Mittelstädt stepped up confidently and converted to score his sixth goal of the season, sending Sebastian Hoeneß’ side into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Stuttgart carried that momentum into the second half and continued to dominate proceedings. The hosts thought they had added a third early after the restart when Demirović found the net again, but VAR ruled the effort out due to an offside involving Deniz Undav in the build-up.
Leverkusen struggled to contain the relentless Stuttgart pressure and the decisive third goal finally arrived just before the hour mark. Jamie Leweling burst down the right-hand side before delivering a pinpoint cross into the area, where Undav expertly slipped between two defenders to poke home his 19th goal of the campaign and put the hosts firmly in control.
From there, Stuttgart dictated the game with confidence, controlling possession and continuing to create chances as Leverkusen’s frustration increasingly became evident. Tempers flared during the closing stages as the visitors desperately searched for a way back into the contest, but Stuttgart comfortably saw the match out to secure a massive victory in front of their home supporters.
The result sees Stuttgart return to winning ways and head into the final matchday sitting fourth, knowing victory over Frankfurt would guarantee a return to Champions League football. Leverkusen, meanwhile, suffer their first defeat in three matches and now require a remarkable final-day turnaround with both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim above them in the table.
