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B04 Leverkusen Bayer 04 Leverkusen - VFB Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart

Highlight Video bayer 04 leverkusen vs vfb stuttgart

Highlights

A. Grimaldo
66'

BayArena(Sold out)

Felix Zwayer

64 %Jamie Leweling

Full-time: Leverkusen 1-4 Stuttgart

Stuttgart cruise to victory on the back of their eyewatering first half performance. Leverkusen were much-improved in the second half, with the substitutes injecting some needed energy into the side, whilst Grimaldo's converted penalty helped reduce arrears, but there was simply no coming back from the first half destruction, courtesy of Leweling, Undav and Co. as Stuttgart move level on points with Leverkusen in the league standings.

Full-time

90'

+ 1

Stoppage time

Three additional minutes have been indicated.

90'

Flashed wide

Arthur drives from midfield before lashing an effort goalwards from the edge of the box, which flashes narrowly past the left post.

90'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes

Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.

Ramon Hendriks34.80km/h

Arthur Augusto de Matos Soares34.19km/h

Josha Vagnoman34.02km/h

Final changes

Hoeneß makes his final substitutions, introducing Chema and Demirović for Nartey and Undav, who leaves the field with three goal involvements.

88'

Substitution

Chema Andrés

Nikolas Nartey

88'

Substitution

Ermedin Demirović

Deniz Undav

87'

Karazor screams for a penalty

Stuttgart's captain makes headway down the right flank before breaking into the box. Under pressure from Tillman, he goes down and wants a penalty, but there was no contact made on him and the referee dismisses the protests.

83'

Spaniard for Spaniard

Grimaldo is replaced by fellow countryman Vázquez.

82'

Substitution

Lucas Vázquez

Alejandro Grimaldo

0:22

García booked

The midfielder's name is taken for a foul on Stiller.

80'

Yellow card

Aleix García

The goalscorer departs

There are more changes for Stuttgart as Assignon comes on for Vagnoman, whilst goalscorer Leweling makes way for new arrival Arévalo, who gets his first taste of Bundesliga football.

79'

Substitution

Jeremy Arévalo

Jamie Leweling

79'

Substitution

Lorenz Assignon

Josha Vagnoman

79'

Bookings for both sides

Both Jeltsch and Grimaldo see yellow cards for fouls on Poku and Vagnoman, respectively.

79'

Yellow card

Alejandro Grimaldo

77'

Yellow card

Finn Jeltsch

76'

xG disparity

xGoals

The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).

Despite the gulf in the scoreline, the xG values aren't too different for both sides, suggesting that Stuttgarth have been incredibly clinical in front of goal, whilst Leverkusen have been somewhat wasteful.

xGoals

1.94

2.54

Goals

75'

Sarco slips

A great opportunity opens up for the hosts as Sarco is found free on the right side of Stuttgart's box, but the youngster slips before he can get a shot away.

74'

Pressure Handling

This Match Fact examines how successfully players perform under pressure. The percentage of "solved situations" indicates how often a player has freed himself from opponent pressure by dribbling, passing, scoring a goal or drawing a foul.

70%

Angelo Stiller

10 times under pressure

73'

First Stuttgart change

Führich, who has been incredibly active for the visitors is replaced by Jeltsch, as Hoeneß looks to solidify his defence.

72'

Substitution

Finn Jeltsch

Chris Führich

70'

Badé booked

The Frenchman sees yellow for impeding Undav.

70'

Yellow card

Loïc Badé

67'

Double change

In the aftermath of his side's first goal, Hjulmand introduces more substitutes, bringing on Hofmann and Sarco for Fernández and Terrier.

66'

Substitution

Jonas Hofmann

Ezequiel Fernández

66'

Substitution

Alejo Sarco

Martin Terrier

Grimaldo pulls one back!

The Spaniard steps up to take it, smashing it low down the middle as Nübel dives to the side. 4-1.

66'

Alejandro Grimaldo

GOAL!

1:4

Penalty

Goal probability

Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.

77 %

Shot speed

Shot speed describes the maximum speed in km/h that a ball reaches in a shot on goal. The distance is measured from the location of the shot to the centre of the goal.

98.31 km/h

Distance to Goal

The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.

11 m

65'

Penalty to Leverkusen!

Tillman beats Chabot down the left inside the area and is chopped down by the Stuttgart defender, who can have no complaints as the referee points to the spot!

Better from Leverkusen

The hosts have given a much improved account of themselves in the second half here, with Poku particularly lively. Unsurprisingly, after their lightning-fast first half, Stuttgart have dropped off a little in the second half.

63'

Outside of the boot

Terrier releases Grimaldo into the right side of Stuttgart's box with a deft flick. The Spaniard has to improvise, striking with the outside of his left foot, but it's straight at Nübel, who manages to parry.

62'

Mix-up

Nartey fires a cross into the box from the left for Stuttgart. Quansah tries to touch it back for Flekken, but the goalkeeper hadn't expected it and has to pull off a reaction stop to prevent the own goal!

57'

Poku on the volley

The ball pops up to be hit by Poku on the edge of the Stuttgart box. The substitute puts his foot through it, but it's deflected behind for a corner.

55'

Fraction wide

Poku drops his shoulder and wriggles free of his marker before moving the ball on to Terrier inside the box. The forward tries to beat Nübel at the near post, but his curling effort ends up in the side netting.

54'

Counter-attacking perfection

Whilst Leverkusen have dominated possession, every time Stuttgart win the ball back they look to play forward.

Possession (%)

5842

52'

Grimaldo from distance

Space opens up for Grimaldo to have a go from 30 yards. His effort is well-struck, but lands wide of the left post.

50'

Stiller forces the corner

More good work from Stuttgart sees them work the ball on the edge of the Leverkusen box before teeing up Stiller, whose effort is blocked behind for a corner. The midfielder takes the set-piece, swinging it in from the right, but a foul on Flekken results in possession being awarded to the hosts.

48'

Poku takes a tumble

The substitute looks to use his pace from the off, attempting to beat Vagnoman down the left flank. The Stuttgart man does well, though, using his strength to dispossess Poku, who falls in the box but rightly makes no penalty appeal.

46'

Back underway!

Leverkusen get the ball rolling for the second half here as they chase a four-goal deficit. Hjulmand reacts at half-time, introducing Poku and Badé for Tella and Belocian.

Kick-off!

45'

+ 4

Substitution

Ernest Poku

Nathan Tella

45'

+ 4

Substitution

Loïc Badé

Jeanuël Belocian

Half-time: Leverkusen 0-4 Stuttgart

Both sides head in at the break with Stuttgart four goals to the good. The visitors got off to a lightning-fast start, pressing high as a team and with energy. They were rewarded with Leweling's early opener before Mittelstädt doubled their advantage from the spot. Leweling fired in his second - and his side's third - on the cusp of half-time, before Undav made it four to stun the BayArena. Hjulmand will need to coax an unbelievable response from out of his side if they're to get anything from this game in the second half!

Half-time

0:20

Undav adds another!

Stuttgart are running riot here! Almost immediately after setting up the third, Führich drives forward again and slips through Undav, who shakes his marker and prods it past Flekken. Stuttgart are in dreamland!

45'

+ 2

Deniz Undav

GOAL!

0:4

Goal probability

27 %

Shot speed

Shot speed describes the maximum speed in km/h that a ball reaches in a shot on goal. The distance is measured from the location of the shot to the centre of the goal.

75.12 km/h

Distance to Goal

The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.

12.66 m

Leweling makes it three!

What a first half performance from the visitors! Führich leads a quick counter-charge for Stuttgart. He moves it inside to Undav, who works it to Leweling. The winger shifts the ball onto his left foot, opens his body up, and smashes it home at the near post.

45'

Jamie Leweling

GOAL!

0:3

Goal probability

4 %

Shot speed

Shot speed describes the maximum speed in km/h that a ball reaches in a shot on goal. The distance is measured from the location of the shot to the centre of the goal.

110.63 km/h

Distance to Goal

The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.

20.52 m

44'

In by Grimaldo

Quansah gets high up from the back. His cross from the right is blocked behind for a corner by Chabot. Grimaldo takes, forcing Nübel to punch as far as Belocian, but the subsequent cross finds no takers.

43'

Ball Recovery Time

Ball Recovery Time gives the time in seconds in which it takes a team to win back the ball following a loss of possession. It also allows conclusions to be drawn about a team's style of play. Only time when the ball is in play is counted (i.e. no breaks in play such as for goal-kicks, throw-ins etc).

B04

VFB

18.2 s

25.8 s

41'

Behind Arthur

Tillman finds Grimaldo on the left flank with a tremendous switch of play. The Spaniard hits a first-time cross back into the middle, but it's a fraction behind Arthur, who had got up from the back.

39'

First bookings

Tempers flare following a foul from Leweling on a Leverkusen defender. Flekken and Leweling's names are both taken.

38'

Yellow card

Mark Flekken

38'

Yellow card

Jamie Leweling

37'

Leverkusen growing

In the last five minutes, the hosts have looked more confident on the ball and are creating more in Stuttgart's half. Most recently, Tella fired in a cross, which Terrier tried to flick goalwards, but Nübel gathered comfortably.

0:21

Fantastic save from Nübel!

Leverkusen fashion their best chance of the game so far. It falls to Fernández, who blasts an effort goalward, but Nübel is equal to it with a very strong hand to deny the hosts their first goal of 2026.

30'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes

Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.

Ramon Hendriks34.80km/h

Arthur Augusto de Matos Soares34.19km/h

Josha Vagnoman34.02km/h

Mittelstädt makes no mistake!

Mittelstädt steps up and converts calmly into the bottom left corner, sending Flekken the other way to double the Swabians' advantage.

29'

Maximilian Mittelstädt

GOAL!

0:2

Penalty

Goal probability

77 %

Shot speed

Shot speed describes the maximum speed in km/h that a ball reaches in a shot on goal. The distance is measured from the location of the shot to the centre of the goal.

88.68 km/h

Distance to Goal

The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.

11 m

28'

Stuttgart awarded spot-kick!

Belocian slides in from behind Vagnoman, bringing the Stuttgart man down inside the Werkself box. Penalty!

26'

Tella goes through

Leverkusen's speedster races into a good pocket of space on the right side of the Stuttgart box and is found. He attempts to find a teammate with a driven cross towards the far post, but Hendriks recovers well to clear the danger.

23'

Looking for Undav

Stuttgart attempt to free their forward with a lofted ball over the top. It's a dangerous pass, but Flekken is quick off his line to claim the ball.

Leweling celebrates

Stuttgart's No.18 has started really brightly this evening, scoring the opener before being denied a second by the offside flag.

18'

Leverkusen in behind

For the first time, Terrier is released in behind Stuttgart's backline, but the visitors manage to recover well and the chance breaks down before Leverkusen can fashion a shot.

16'

Leweling denied a second!

Stuttgart take a free-kick very quickly near the halfway line. It's launched up to Undav, who touches it down for Leweling at the edge of the box, allowing the winger to smash home from the edge of the box. However, it won't stand as Undav was in an offside position.

13'

Cross after cross

First, Mittelstädt floats a cross in from the left towards the far post. It's a bit too long, but Leweling recovers it well and immediately puts another cross in, finding Vagnoman, whose header ultimately doesn't trouble Flekken.

Brief stoppage

Play was called to a halt whilst Leverkusen's Fernández received treatment. Play has since resumed.

Leweling with the opener!

What a start from the Swabians! Stuttgart win the ball back in the middle of the park. Karazor moves the ball on for Undav, who drives forward before threading Leweling through into the box. Stuttgart's No.11 beats Andrich for pace before poking the ball past Flekken to make it 1-0.

Jamie Leweling

GOAL!

0:1

Goal probability

35 %

Distance to Goal

The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.

10.69 m

Delivered by Karazor

From the left half-space, Stuttgart's captain tries to pick out Undav with a cross into the box, but the forward can't reach the ball and Flekken gathers.

Huge early chance!

Führich whips in a teasing ball from in off the left flank towards the far post where Vagnoman was arriving. The defender makes good contact with the header, but Flekken reacts excellently to pull off the save with his feet.

And we're off!

The last of Saturday's action is underway in Leverkusen here as Stuttgart get the ball rolling at the BayArena.

Kick-off!

Surprise absentee

Hjulmand has commented on the nature of the surprise decision not to include Patrik Schick in today's squad. According to the Dane, the striker has “minor muscular issues” and therefore cannot be part of the squad today. After diagnostic tests, there was “no chance that he could be involved.”

More on that Leverkusen side

Kasper Hjulmand also makes three changes to the XI he selected for Leverkusen's 3-1 victory away to Leipzig last time out. Quansah, Grimaldo and Fernández are all back amongst the starters, with Badé, Hofmann (both benched) and Schick (not included) having to make way.

More on that Stuttgart side

There are two changes made for Stuttgart's first starting XI of the new year to that which they fielded in the 0-0 draw at home to Heidenheim last time out on Matchday 15. Hendriks comes in for Jeltsch at the heart of defence, who takes his place on the bench as he continues to work his way back from injury. Führich also starts in place of the injured Tiago Tomás. New signing Jeremy Arévalo is among the substitutes.

Leverkusen subs

Lomb, Blaswich, Vázquez, Badé, Hofmann, Culbreath, Poku, Sarco

Starting line-up: Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Stuttgart subs

Bredlow, Stenzel, Stergiou, Assignon, Jeltsch, Chema, Arévalo, Demirović, Bouanani

Starting line-up: VfB Stuttgart

Maximilian Mittelstädt

Bitterly cold BayArena

As is the case across much of Germany, the temperatures will be below freezing for this evening's encounter in Leverkusen. Nevertheless, a red-hot clash is still expected in this ice-cold weather between Die Werkself and visitors Stuttgart.

Ben Seghir edges past Kofane into final four

Away from Leverkusen, Werkself winger Eliesse Ben Seghir and AFCON hosts Morocco triumphed 2-0 over Cameroon and his teammate Christian Kofane to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The Cameroonian forward played 77 minutes of the 2-0 defeat, whilst Ben Seghir didn't feature. Morocco will face the winners of the quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria, which Ibrahim Maza will be involved in for the Algerians.

Hjulmand raring to go

In his pre-match press conference, the Leverkusen head coach could hardly contain his excitement for the Bundesliga's return. The Dane said: "It will be a special game. Both teams play on the front foot with a lot of pressing and lots of ideas. VfB are a great team with a great coach. We're really looking forward to it and I love these games against top teams. They offer the opportunity to gain some breathing space in the table if we win and, above all, they're an excellent opportunity to learn something."

2:24

Watch: Bundesliga action returns to Leverkusen for 2026

Kasper Hjulmand on facing Stuttgart

"It's been a great week. The lads have returned with a good energy. We're prepared for the next part of the season. Tomorrow is a top game between two great teams. VfB have great quality - they were second two seasons ago. They're a superb side with a superb coach. We're really looking forward to it."

Karazor on the club's ambitions

"The direction should always be upward. To say that we want to play for survival or qualify for Europe every time - I don't know if it makes much sense to stop somewhere like that. You should always be looking upward. I think that's how you can expect to improve again and again."

Karazor on Stuttgart's team spirit

"Among ourselves, I'd say we often view things in a more relaxed way than others. We try to perform on the pitch every weekend and paint VfB in the best light. Maybe that also takes pressure off us somehow, but at the same time, it ensures that we perform. Our coach is a big part of that. He always manages to keep us grounded and take away the pressure."

Atakan Karazor on facing Leverkusen

"They've always been great games, intense games. Unfortunately, we're also aware of our record there. We haven't often picked up points in Leverkusen, which is why it's a special game for us this weekend. We want to pick up points."

Andrich on his goals for 2026

"I'm not really someone who makes New Year's resolutions, but of course I have goals. I want to be successful with Leverkusen and if possible, win a trophy. I also want to go to the FIFA World Cup in the summer."

Andrich on the fixture list

"When we went into the break, we knew that things would start up again very quickly - I think we have 10 games in one month. Physically, it was not a very long break, but mentally it was good to relax after so many games in such a short period of time. Now it's about who is able to get up to speed the quickest."

Robert Andrich on facing Stuttgart

"We're starting with a great game against Stuttgart. Our matches against them in the past few seasons have always been exciting. This is what we're preparing for again."

Sebastian Hoeneß on facing Leverkusen

"We've not always got what we deserved in recent meetings with Leverkusen. They're in really good form but we're not that far behind them and fancy our chances. It's going to be an intriguing contest."

Early Stuttgart team news

Dan-Axel Zagadou and Luca Jaquez are closing in on returning from injury but remain sidelined for Saturday's clash, while Lazar Jovanović, Finn Jeltsch, Tiago Tomás, Noah Darvich, Jovan Milošević and Ameen Al-Dakhil are also ruled out. However, Ermedin Demirović (pictured) could be involved after recovering from a fractured metatarsal.

Early Leverkusen team news

Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza are all on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Exequiel Palacios remains sidelined with an adductor injury. Kasper Hjulmand is also sweating on the fitness of Ernest Poku (pictured), who has a hamstring problem.

3:02

Watch: Rip-roaring restart for 2026

Europe’s top-scoring top league gets back underway with a real bang as Eintracht Frankfurt kick-start the 2026 action against Borussia Dortmund in Friday evening’s Matchday 16 opener. The late game on Saturday is another mighty contest as third-placed Bayer Leverkusen take on VfB Stuttgart, just three points behind them in sixth. A preview of the best of the upcoming action in all its colour, sound and glory.

2:02

Watch: The stars’ winter break

This season’s winter break may have been slightly shorter than usual but the Bundesliga stars, as ever, made the most of their precious days off. Christmas and New Year were unsurprisingly the dominant themes of their social media posts, with crazy outfits aplenty on show in locations both sun-drenched and snow-covered, according to individual preference – while for some, the darts world championship in London was the only place to be. Come with us on an online winter tour.

2:01

Watch: All 25/26 Bundesliga free-kick goals so far

Stuttgart arrival

VfB have added to their attacking options by signing Ecuador international striker Jeremy Arévalo from Racing Santander. The 20-year-old has agreed a five-and-a-half-year contract valid until June 2031 at the MHP Arena.

Stuttgart handed attacking boost

Sebastian Hoeneß's side enjoyed a 3-2 win over Luzern in their sole winter friendly, but the good news for VfB was the return of Ermedin Demirović, who had been sidelined since October with a fractured metatarsal in his foot.

New Year, same habits?

Leverkusen have started the new year with a win for the past three years, and they'll hope to keep that tradition going again this year, as they sit just three points behind second-placed Dortmund.

2:03

Watch: Stuttgart 3-4 Leverkusen - previous meeting

Die Werkself are unbeaten in their last 12 Bundesliga games against Stuttgart - a run stretching back to the 2018/19 season - after drawing 0-0 at the BayArena and edging a 4-3 thriller in Stuttgart last season. Their last defeat to the Swabians was a 2-1 loss at home in 2017/18.

2:03

Watch: Leipzig 1-3 Leverkusen - highlights

Leverkusen stormed back from a goal down to beat Leipzig 3-1 on Matchday 15. A third straight win in their first outing of 2026 could lift Kasper Hjulmand's team above Dortmund into second place.

2:03

Watch: Stuttgart 0-0 Hoffenheim - highlights

Stuttgart played out a goalless draw with top-six and local rivals Hoffenheim prior to the winter break. The DFB Cup holders return to action in sixth place, with three points to make up on fourth-in-the-table RB Leipzig and third-placed Leverkusen.

Hello and welcome!

Welcome along and thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of this Matchday 16 fixture between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart.

B04 Leverkusen Bayer 04 Leverkusen - VFB Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart

Highlights

Vote for your Man of the Match!

Full-time: Leverkusen 1-4 Stuttgart

Stoppage time

Flashed wide

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes

Final changes

Substitution

Substitution

Karazor screams for a penalty

Spaniard for Spaniard

Substitution

García booked

Yellow card

The goalscorer departs

Substitution

Substitution

Bookings for both sides

Yellow card

Yellow card

xG disparity

Sarco slips

Pressure Handling

First Stuttgart change

Substitution

Badé booked

Yellow card

Double change

Substitution

Substitution

Grimaldo pulls one back!

Alejandro Grimaldo

GOAL!

Penalty to Leverkusen!

Better from Leverkusen

Outside of the boot

Mix-up

Poku on the volley

Fraction wide

Counter-attacking perfection

Grimaldo from distance

Stiller forces the corner

Poku takes a tumble

Back underway!

Substitution

Substitution

Half-time: Leverkusen 0-4 Stuttgart

Undav adds another!

Deniz Undav

GOAL!

Leweling makes it three!

Jamie Leweling

GOAL!

In by Grimaldo

Ball Recovery Time

Behind Arthur

First bookings

Yellow card

Yellow card

Leverkusen growing

Fantastic save from Nübel!

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes

Mittelstädt makes no mistake!

Maximilian Mittelstädt

GOAL!

Stuttgart awarded spot-kick!

Tella goes through

Looking for Undav

Leweling celebrates

Leverkusen in behind

Leweling denied a second!

Cross after cross

Brief stoppage

Leweling with the opener!

Jamie Leweling

GOAL!

Delivered by Karazor

Huge early chance!

And we're off!