Bayer Leverkusen achieved a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory against VfB Stuttgart on March 16, 2025, during round 26 of the Bundesliga, bringing them just six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
The match kicked off with Stuttgart taking the lead early. Elmedin Demirovic scored the first goal at the 15-minute mark, pushing down Leverkusen, who were already feeling the pressure. Three minutes after the start of the second half, Nick Woltemade extended Stuttgart's lead to 2-0. It was shaping up to be another tough day for Leverkusen as they struggled to find their rhythm on the pitch.
Despite the odds, Leverkusen began their fight back when Jeremie Frimpong scored their first goal on the 56th minute, tapping in from a loose ball after some pressure from his teammates. The visitors gained momentum, and the atmosphere shifted as the crowd rallied behind them.
Unfortunately for Leverkusen, their jubilation was short-lived. Barely six minutes later, Granit Xhaka was unfortunate enough to score an own goal, which allowed Stuttgart to regain their two-goal advantage, making it 3-1.
But the tenacity of Leverkusen showcased their resilience. Just as fans began to think their chance had slipped once again, Piero Hincapié scored, closing the gap back to just one goal at 3-2.
The closing minutes of the game were nothing short of chaotic; Leverkusen desperately sought to find the equalizer. The team attacked relentlessly, and their hard work paid off when, just before the end of normal time, Angelo Stiller's unfortunate own goal brought the game to 3-3. The tension rose as both teams knew victory was still within reach.
Then, deep in stoppage time, Patrik Schick emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal and securing the 4-3 victory for Leverkusen. Schick's goal came from a well-placed cross by Frimpong, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the entire team and bench.
Xabi Alonso, the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, expressed his optimism about the victory. "This victory is significant for us at the final stages of the season," Alonso noted with pride. Alonso's demeanor reflected the relief and excitement of the team's performance after their elimination from the Champions League just days before. The defeat to Bayern Munich had weighed heavily on them, but this triumph invigorated their spirits.
Leverkusen's win also reflected their determination and fighting spirit. Defender Jonathan Tah conveyed this sentiment, stating, "We believed until the end. This win proves our spirit is still alive as we aim for every point." The match demonstrated Leverkusen's capability to rally from adversity, showcasing the heart and tenacity with which they approached the final phase of the Bundesliga season.
With this remarkable victory, Leverkusen's points tally now stands at 56, maintaining their second-place position, six points behind Bayern Munich. Their next challenge will be to maintain this newfound momentum as the season approaches its final stages, with only eight games remaining to close the gap on the league leaders.
Stuttgart, on the other hand, faced the bitter disappointment of this match, moving down to 10th place after suffering their third consecutive defeat. The team, previously recognized for their courageous performance last season, will now need to regroup swiftly to regain their form.
This weekend’s events across the Bundesliga also saw Bayern Munich held to a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin, providing Leverkusen with the opportunity they desperately needed to reduce the point difference at the top of the table.
With several promising matches on the horizon, the battle for the Bundesliga title remains fierce, and every point will count as the league pushes toward its conclusion. The stage is set for an intense finish to the season, with all eyes eager to see how the final standings will shape up.