Bayer Leverkusen revived their Bundesliga title aspirations by completing a trademark late victory with a Patrik Schick injury-time winner helping the visitors - who had previously trailed Stuttgart 3-1 - to complete an astonishing 4-3 victory.

VfB Stuttgart 3–4 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 1-0 Demirović 15‘, 2-0 Woltemade 48‘(assist: Millot), 2-1 Frimpong 56‘, 3-1 Xhaka (og, 62‘), 3-2 Hincapié 67‘, 3-3 Stiller (og, 88‘), 3-4 Schick 90'+4 (assist: Frimpong)

In a pulsating Bundesliga encounter at the MHPArena, the visitors looked down and out at 3-1 down to a buoyant Stuttgart. Yet in a match that showcased the resilience of Xabi Alonso's side, the Werkself clicked into gear with just over 20 minutes remaining to shock the hosts, who are now winless in their last five matches. For Leverkusen, the gap at the top to leaders Bayern Munich now stands at just six points with eight games to go. 

Nordi Mukiele (l.) and Jeremie Frimpong celebrate after Bayer Leverkusen's late victory in Stuttgart. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Stuttgart's Strong Start

The home side started brightly, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Ermedin Demirović. The Bosnian striker pounced on a rebound after Jamie Leweling's initial shot was parried by Lukáš Hrádecký, with the highly-impressive Nick Woltemade playing a crucial role in the build-up.

Stuttgart continued to dominate, and their efforts were rewarded early in the second half when Woltemade doubled their advantage. The young forward coolly slotted home after being set up by Enzo Millot, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Nick Woltemade (r.) and Ermedin Demirović celebrate Stuttgart's second goal - IMAGO/kolbert-press/ Martin Agüera

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Leverkusen's Fightback Begins

Leverkusen, however, refused to give up. Jeremie Frimpong ignited the comeback in the 56th minute, rifling a shot into the bottom corner after good work from Robert Andrich. Stuttgart seemed to have weathered the storm when Granit Xhaka inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, restoring the hosts' two-goal cushion. But Leverkusen's resilience shone through as Piero Hincapié reduced the deficit once more, setting up a grandstand finish.

Angelo Stiller rues his luck after putting through his own net. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Dramatic Finale

The final minutes of the match were nothing short of extraordinary. In the 88th minute, Victor Boniface's dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Angelo Stiller, bringing the scores level. With the momentum firmly in their favour, Leverkusen pushed for a winner. Their efforts were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Patrik Schick rose highest to head home Frimpong's pinpoint cross, completing a remarkable turnaround and sending the away fans into delirium, and Bayern back into view at the Bundesliga's summit. 

Player of the Match: Nick Woltemade

Despite ending up on the losing side, Woltemade's performance was a standout feature of the match. The young forward not only scored Stuttgart's second goal but was also instrumental in their attacking play throughout. Woltemade was involved in five of Stuttgart's seven shots on goal, demonstrating his importance to the team's offensive efforts. His movement and link-up play caused problems for the Leverkusen defence all evening, and he can consider himself unfortunate to be on the losing side.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Stuttgart 2.42 - Leverkusen 1.85
Fastest player: Frimpong (Leverkusen), 36.02 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Frimpong (Leverkusen), 6.51 per cent
Most pressed player: Frimpong (Leverkusen), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Nordi Mukiele (Leverkusen), +4.09

Fantasy Heroes: Frimpong (Leverkusen, 381 Points), Hincapié (Leverkusen, 211 Points), Mukiele (Leverkusen, 205 Points)

About the clubs

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

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VfB Stuttgart

MHPArena