Bayer Leverkusen showcased their resilience with a stunning comeback to secure a 4-3 victory against VfB Stuttgart on March 16, 2025, overcoming a two-goal deficit. This remarkable turnaround not only ended Leverkusen's frustrating three-match losing streak but also narrowed the gap to league leaders Bayern Munich to just six points.
The home side Stuttgart had initially appeared dominant, taking control of the match with Ermedin Demirovic’s goal just 15 minutes after kick-off. Demirovic capitalized on a rebound from Lukas Hradecky following Jamie Leweling’s shot, marking his tenth goal of the season on his 150th Bundesliga appearance.
Stuttgart intensified their grip on the game, doubling their lead just three minutes after the break. Nick Woltemade, left unmarked, slotted home after Leverkusen failed to clear their lines effectively. With Leverkusen wallowing, the match seemed to tilt firmly in favor of the hosts.
Yet, the defending champions, Leverkusen, refused to back down. Jeremie Frimpong struck first for Leverkusen, scoring a much-needed goal at the 56th minute as he redirected through traffic after a blocked effort from Robert Andrich. Their hopes for revival surged, but were quickly thwarted when Granit Xhaka inadvertently turned the ball past his goalkeeper off Demirovic’s shot, reinsteting Stuttgart's two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Hope was reignited for Leverkusen shortly thereafter, as Piero Hincapie hammered the ball high past Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nubel after another corner, reducing the deficit to 3-2. With just minutes left to play, Leverkusen persisted, knowing their chances of staying competitive for the title resided on this match.
With the match nearing its end and Leverkusen pushing for the equalizer, fate dealt Stuttgart an unfortunate hand. Angelo Stiller, trying to clear Victor Boniface’s cross, inadvertently redirected the ball past his own goalkeeper, leading to the equalizer at 3-3. This own goal transformed the mood dramatically as wild celebrations erupted among the visiting supporters.
Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, the comeback reached its climax with one final, exhilarating act. Deep within stoppage time, Patrik Schick, displaying unwavering determination, rose to meet Frimpong’s cross. He guided the ball with precision and power, firmly directing it inside the near post to complete the remarkable comeback.
This last-minute goal secured all three points for Leverkusen, lifting them to 56 points and placing them firmly back within the title race as they reduced Bayern Munich’s lead on the Bundesliga table. The jubilant away supporters celebrated loudly, marking the significance of their team’s dramatic win.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart could only look on with disappointment as they watched their two-goal advantage slip through their fingers. Although they displayed impressive attacking football, the inability to secure the match will surely haunt their aspirations of competing for European qualification next season, trailing eight points behind the top contenders for the UEFA Champions League.
Jude Obafemi, reporting for THEWILL Newspapers, emphasized the sheer determination of Bayer Leverkusen, noting how the late goals symbolize their talent and tenacity to stay competitive. The analysts will now closely watch how this match affects the psychological momentum of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming international break.
Sitting second, Leverkusen not only snapped their losing streak but also ensured they remain firmly entrenched in the title chase with this emphatic showing against Stuttgart. The vivid atmosphere and action-packed nature of this match provided substantial entertainment both for fans at the stadium and those following remotely. The Bundesliga, as always, continues to deliver its signature drama.
Patrik Schick’s decisive interventions and the surprising final moments make it clear: within football, nothing is guaranteed until the last whistle blows. With both Bayern Munich and Leverkusen set to continue their campaigns, fans will eagerly anticipate where this exhilarating race for the Bundesliga title leads next.
