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Stuttgart scored three past Bayer Leverkusen to sit in pole position for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Aleix García fired home a Christian Kofane pass just moments into the match as Kasper Hjulmand’s side drew first blood. However, the hosts equalised soon after the early opener, going level in the match and on points with Die Werkself in the Bundesliga table. The goal came when James Leweling played the ball into Ermedin Demirović’s feet, who did a one-two with Nikolas Nartey before netting the leveller.
After the early intensity of the game, both teams sparred, creating chances but failing to score. Sebastian Hoeneß’s men finally led for the first time this afternoon when Edmond Tapsoba conceded a nasty penalty for a foul on Demirović. Maximilian Mittelstädt stepped up and converted from the spot to end the half on top.
Deniz Undav netted his 19th league goal of the season in the 58th-minute after latching on to a deflected cross from Leweling following a fast break. The two-goal cushion helped Stuttgart see through the match with three points; however, Hoffenheim’s 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen means they are level on points, and Die Roten might still be required to win on the final day.
Leverkusen’s impressive 13-match unbeaten streak at the MHP Arena has finally come to an end. While their top-four aspirations now face long odds, a glimmer of hope remains: if both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim fall in their next outings, Die Schwarzroten could still bridge the gap with a decisive, high-scoring victory over Hamburg.
PLAYER RATINGS | Stuttgart 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Stuttgart: Nübel (8), Mittelstädt (8), Chabot (7), Hendriks (5), Nartey (8), Stiller (), Andres (), Führich (6), Undav (8), Leweling (8), Demirović (8).
Others: Tomás (6), Jaquez (6), El Khannouss (6), Assignon (-), Vagnoman (-)
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken (6), Tapsoba (5), Andrich (6), Quansah (5), Grimaldo (6), Palacios (6), García (8), Culbreath (6), Kofane (7), Maza (), Schick (6).
Others: Arthur (6), Tillman (5), Poku (5), Ben Seghir (-)
GGFN | Trambak Bhattacherjee
