Stuttgart boosted their Champions League hopes with an impressive 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, leapfrogging their rivals into fourth place ahead of the final Bundesliga matchday.
Stuttgart produced one of their biggest performances of the season as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at the MHPArena to move into the Bundesliga’s top four. The result ended Stuttgart’s frustrating three-match winless streak and handed them a major advantage in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification heading into the final weekend of the campaign.
The contest exploded into life almost immediately, with both sides finding the net inside the opening five minutes. Leverkusen struck first after a rapid counterattack sliced through the Stuttgart defence, allowing Christian Kofane to release Aleix Garcia, who finished smartly at the near post to give the visitors an early lead.
However, Stuttgart’s response was instant and emphatic. Ermedin Demirovic, who tormented Leverkusen throughout the evening, combined brilliantly with Nikolas Nartey in a slick one-two before rifling a low finish into the far corner.
With Champions League football potentially hanging in the balance, neither team showed any intention of settling for caution. The game remained open and frantic, with chances flowing at both ends. Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nubel reacted sharply to deny Ibrahim Maza’s volley, while at the other end Mark Flekken was forced into action after Chris Fuhrich’s dangerous cross nearly caught him out.
𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 in the battle for @ChampionsLeague qualification! 💪💪💪#VfB | #VfBB04 | 3-1 pic.twitter.com/Rn3n0NWpWG
— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) May 9, 2026
Demirovic continued to wreak havoc whenever Stuttgart pushed forward. After seeing one effort brilliantly blocked by Edmond Tapsoba, the Bosnian striker eventually won a crucial penalty right before half-time when the Leverkusen defender clipped him inside the area. Maximilian Mittelstadt stepped up confidently and sent Flekken the wrong way to complete Stuttgart’s turnaround before the interval.
The hosts thought they had extended their advantage moments after the restart when Demirovic finished after Flekken spilled Deniz Undav’s shot, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Stuttgart refused to let the disappointment slow them down, though, and continued forcing Leverkusen backwards with relentless pressure and aggressive attacking play.
Leverkusen goalkeeper Flekken did his best to keep his side alive with impressive saves from Angelo Stiller and Jeff Chabot, but there was little he could do when Stuttgart finally grabbed their deserved third goal. Jamie Leweling whipped an excellent cross into the area and Deniz Undav reacted quickest to poke home his 19th Bundesliga goal of the season, capping another outstanding attacking display from the home side.
Leverkusen improved slightly in the closing stages but lacked the cutting edge required to mount a comeback, suffering a damaging setback in their battle for Champions League qualification. Stuttgart, meanwhile, now sit firmly in control of fourth place after completing a league double over Leverkusen.
