Stuttgart take huge step towards Champions League football by downing Leverkusen

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.