Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen had a goal ruled out and hit the woodwork twice as they dropped points for the fifth time in nine games this season in a goalless draw with VfB Stuttgart.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 VfB Stuttgart
The match began with an early setback for Stuttgart as Jamie Leweling was forced off with an injury after just eight minutes. Fabian Rieder came on as his replacement, disrupting Hoeneß’s initial game plan. Despite this, Stuttgart managed to weather the early storm from Leverkusen, who started the match with intent and purpose.
Leverkusen dominate but fail to break through
As the first half progressed, Leverkusen’s dominance became evident. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo tested Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with powerful shots in the 12th and 14th minutes respectively, but Nübel was equal to the task. The home side’s pressure continued to mount, with Frimpong having a goal disallowed for offside in the 32nd minute. Edmond Tapsoba came agonisingly close in the 41st minute, his header from a corner striking the crossbar.
Nübel stands firm
The second half saw Leverkusen continue their assault on the Stuttgart goal. Victor Boniface came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, striking the upright in the 53rd minute. Nübel’s heroics were on full display as he made a series of crucial saves, most notably denying Boniface in a one-on-one situation that seemed certain to result in a goal.
Despite being under constant pressure, Stuttgart showed remarkable resilience. The defensive trio of Anthony Rouault, Anrie Chase, and Maximilian Mittelstädt worked tirelessly to keep Leverkusen at bay. The visitors even managed to create a few chances on the counter-attack, with substitute Chris Führich forcing a save from Lukáš Hrádecký in the 81st minute.
