Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart Match Recap - Jan 10, 2026

Stuttgart's Stunning Triumph: A 4-1 Statement Against Leverkusen

VfB Stuttgart's emphatic 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena sends shockwaves through the Bundesliga, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority. The match marked a significant turning point for Stuttgart, who have been inconsistent this season but displayed a commanding performance that highlighted their potential as serious contenders.

Jamie Leweling emerged as the star of the show, netting two goals and proving instrumental in Stuttgart's offensive strategy. His first goal came early in the match, setting the tone for a dominant display. Leweling's ability to find space and capitalize on opportunities has been a hallmark of his recent form, and this match only solidified his status as a key player for Stuttgart. With three goals in his last two matches, he is clearly hitting his stride at a crucial juncture in the season.

Deniz Undav also made his mark, scoring just before halftime to extend Stuttgart's lead to three goals. This was a continuation of his impressive form, having scored in previous matches as well. Undav's ability to combine with Leweling and create scoring chances has been vital for Stuttgart's resurgence. The duo's chemistry on the pitch was evident, as they exploited Leverkusen's defensive lapses with precision.

Bayer Leverkusen's recent form took a hit, as they struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. Despite dominating ball possession at 60% and completing more passes than Stuttgart, their inability to translate that control into goals was glaring. Leverkusen managed only two shots on target compared to Stuttgart's five, highlighting a stark contrast between possession and productivity. This inefficiency in front of goal has been a recurring theme for Leverkusen, raising questions about their attacking strategy.

Alejandro Grimaldo's penalty conversion in the second half provided a glimmer of hope for Leverkusen but ultimately proved insufficient. Grimaldo has been one of Leverkusen's more consistent performers this season, but even his efforts could not mask the team's overall struggles. The penalty was a momentary reprieve, yet it underscored the fact that Leverkusen needed to be far more clinical to compete at this level.

Stuttgart's defensive organization played a crucial role in their victory, effectively neutralizing Leverkusen's attacking threats. The backline, led by Maximilian Mittelstädt and Jeff Chabot, managed to contain the likes of Malik Tillman and Martin Terrier, who have been pivotal for Leverkusen in recent matches. Stuttgart's ability to absorb pressure and counter effectively was key to their success, allowing them to exploit gaps left by an overly ambitious Leverkusen side.

The expected goals (xG) metric tells a compelling story; Stuttgart's xG of 2.32 dwarfed Leverkusen's meager 0.39. This statistic reflects not only the quality of chances created but also the efficiency with which Stuttgart executed their game plan. While Leverkusen may have enjoyed more possession, it was Stuttgart who made their opportunities count, showcasing a clinical edge that has often eluded Leverkusen in high-stakes matches.

Leverkusen's recent performances have been a mixed bag; they entered this match with a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last five games. Their previous victory against RB Leipzig had raised expectations, but this defeat serves as a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities. The inconsistency in their performances raises concerns about their ability to maintain pressure on league leaders.

Stuttgart, on the other hand, has shown resilience despite recent setbacks, including a disappointing draw against Hoffenheim and a heavy loss to Bayern Munich. Their ability to bounce back with a commanding win against Werder Bremen prior to this match indicated that they were finding their rhythm again. This victory over Leverkusen reinforces their potential to challenge for European spots as they continue to build momentum.

Looking ahead, Bayer Leverkusen will need to reassess their approach as they prepare for their next match against Hamburger SV. The pressure is mounting on coach Kasper Hjulmand to find solutions that can restore confidence and effectiveness in attack. With only three points separating them from Stuttgart in the standings, every match becomes critical in the race for European qualification.

VfB Stuttgart will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt. If they can maintain this level of performance, they could very well solidify their position among the Bundesliga elite. The combination of Leweling and Undav offers a potent threat that could trouble any defense in the league.

This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football; Stuttgart's triumph over Leverkusen not only alters league dynamics but also sets the stage for an exciting second half of the season. As both teams regroup and refocus, fans can expect thrilling encounters ahead as they vie for supremacy in Germany's top tier.