In a stunning display at the BayArena, VfB Stuttgart dismantled Bayer Leverkusen 4-1, with all four goals coming in a relentless first half. Jamie Leweling was the star of the show, netting twice within the opening 45 minutes, as Stuttgart's clinical finishing left Leverkusen reeling in this Bundesliga encounter.
First-Half Domination by Stuttgart
The match began with Stuttgart asserting their dominance early on. Jamie Leweling opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a deft assist from Deniz Undav. Maximilian Mittelstädt doubled the lead with a well-taken penalty in the 29th minute. Leweling added his second just before the break, and Undav capped off the first-half rout with a goal in stoppage time, assisted by Chris Führich.
Leverkusen's Response Falls Short
Despite a spirited attempt to claw back into the game, Leverkusen's efforts were largely thwarted. Alejandro Grimaldo managed to convert a penalty in the 66th minute, but it was too little, too late. Leverkusen's possession advantage, holding 57% of the ball, failed to translate into meaningful opportunities, as Stuttgart's defense held firm.
Statistical Insights
Leverkusen's 16 total shots, with only four on target, highlighted their inefficiency in front of goal. Stuttgart, on the other hand, made the most of their 10 shots, with seven on target. The visitors' expected goals of 2.60 underscored their attacking prowess, while Leverkusen's 1.95 xG reflected missed opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Stuttgart's victory continues their impressive form, with recent performances suggesting a team in ascendancy. For Leverkusen, this defeat marks a setback, as they aim to rebound in their upcoming fixtures. Jamie Leweling's standout performance, coupled with Deniz Undav's creative influence, will be key for Stuttgart as they push further up the Bundesliga standings.
