Stuttgart produced a stunning performance to thrash Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 at the BayArena, with Jamie Leweling scoring twice in a first-half blitz. The result moved Stuttgart level on points with the Bundesliga champions, reducing the goal difference gap from ten to just four.
Playing under the watchful eye of German FA sporting director Rudi Völler, who has close ties to Leverkusen, Stuttgart dominated from the outset. Leweling opened the scoring by drifting into the box to finish a Deniz Undav pass, before adding a second with a powerful shot from outside the area. By half-time, Stuttgart held a 4-0 lead, leaving Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand searching for answers. 'I don't have a decent explanation for what happened,' he admitted.
Leverkusen were missing players at the Africa Cup of Nations and Patrik Schick through injury, but Stuttgart's performance was exceptional. Völler described the opening 25 minutes as 'exceptional' and noted he had rarely seen a team play so well in Leverkusen. The win was Stuttgart's first against Leverkusen since 2018, and coach Sebastian Hoeness finally ended his personal 11-match winless streak against them.
Undav continued his fine form, scoring Stuttgart's fourth goal and providing two assists. He now has ten goals in his last 11 matches. However, it was Leweling who stole the show, showcasing the dynamism and versatility that have attracted interest from Bournemouth, who reportedly bid €40m for the 24-year-old. Stuttgart rejected the offer, betting that his value will rise after a strong World Cup audition.
