- Bayer Leverkusen staged a dramatic comeback from 3-1 down to beat Stuttgart 4-3
- Patrik Schick scored the winner deep into stoppage time to seal the victory
- Bayer Leverkusen closed the gap to Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga to just six points
Key Takeaways:
Bayer Leverkusen showed they are not ready to give up in the Bundesliga title race against Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s players secured a remarkable 4-3 victory away to Stuttgart in the 26th round of the Bundesliga, keeping their title hopes alive. The hosts took a two-goal lead through Ermedin Demirovic (15′) and Nick Woltemade (48′), but Jeremie Frimpong (56′) pulled one back for the visitors. A Granit Xhaka own goal restored Stuttgart’s two-goal cushion, but Bayer mounted a stunning comeback with goals from Piero Hincapie (68′), an own goal from Angelo Stiller (88′), and a stoppage-time winner by Patrik Schick (90+4′).
We don't do boring 😉#VfBB04 pic.twitter.com/Qlfr3Ex3PQ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 17, 2025
Stuttgart struck first in the 14th minute. Jamie Leweling’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Ermedin Demirovic was on hand to tap in from close range, making it 1-0. In the 48th minute, the hosts doubled their advantage. Enzo Millot played a perfectly timed pass to Nick Woltemade, who finished coolly for 2-0.
Bayer Leverkusen responded in the 56th minute. Jeremie Frimpong pounced on a loose ball and slotted it into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Luck turned against the visitors in the 62nd minute when a double deflection between goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Granit Xhaka resulted in the Swiss midfielder scoring an own goal, making the score 3-1 for Stuttgart.
However, Bayer refused to give up and struck back again in the 68th minute. Piero Hincapie reacted quickest during a goalmouth scramble following a corner, slotting home to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The reigning Bundesliga champions found an equalizer late in the match, once again with a stroke of fortune. In the 88th minute, Angelo Stiller inadvertently sent the ball into his own net while attempting to block a cross from Victor Boniface, to level the score at 3-3.
That was not the end, though. Bayer Leverkusen pushed for the win, and in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Patrik Schick delivered the decisive goal, heading in a cross from Frimpong to complete the incredible turnaround.
With the victory, Bayer capitalized on Bayern Munich’s slip-up and closed the gap at the top to just six points. They now have 56 points, while Bayern sit on 62. Stuttgart, meanwhile, remain 10th in the table with 37 points.