bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen drop more points in VfB Stuttgart stalemate

02.11.2024

Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen had a goal ruled out and hit the woodwork twice as they dropped points for the fifth time in nine games this season in a goalless draw with VfB Stuttgart.

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 VfB Stuttgart

The match began with an early setback for Stuttgart as Jamie Leweling was forced off with an injury after just eight minutes. Fabian Rieder came on as his replacement, disrupting Hoeneß's initial game plan. Despite this, Stuttgart managed to weather the early storm from Leverkusen, who started the match with intent and purpose.

Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen attempts to evade the challenge of Stuttgart's Atakan Karazor in a fiercely contested midfield battle - Dean Mouhtaropoulos

Leverkusen dominate but fail to break through

As the first half progressed, Leverkusen's dominance became evident. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo tested Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with powerful shots in the 12th and 14th minutes respectively, but Nübel was equal to the task. The home side's pressure continued to mount, with Frimpong having a goal disallowed for offside in the 32nd minute. Edmond Tapsoba came agonisingly close in the 41st minute, his header from a corner striking the crossbar.

Xabi Alonso offers tactical guidance to Florian Wirtz as Leverkusen seek to break the deadlock. - IMAGO/Weis/TEAM2sportphoto

Nübel stands firm

The second half saw Leverkusen continue their assault on the Stuttgart goal. Victor Boniface came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, striking the upright in the 53rd minute. Nübel's heroics were on full display as he made a series of crucial saves, most notably denying Boniface in a one-on-one situation that seemed certain to result in a goal.

Boniface (l.) often got the better of Anrie Chase (r.), but couldn't find the finishing to match his endeavour. - INA FASSBENDER

Stuttgart's resilience

Despite being under constant pressure, Stuttgart showed remarkable resilience. The defensive trio of Anthony Rouault, Anrie Chase, and Maximilian Mittelstädt worked tirelessly to keep Leverkusen at bay. The visitors even managed to create a few chances on the counter-attack, with substitute Chris Führich forcing a save from Lukáš Hrádecký in the 81st minute.

Nübel's exceptional performance was crucial in earning Stuttgart a point at the BayArena. - IMAGO/Herbertz / Nico Herbertz

Player of the Match: Alexander Nübel

Nübel made four crucial saves, including several from point-blank range, far exceeding his expected saves of 2.3. His positioning, reflexes, and command of the penalty area were impeccable throughout the match, frustrating Leverkusen's attackers time and again. The Bayern Munich loanee's standout display was the key factor in Stuttgart securing a valuable point against a dominant Leverkusen side, with his save from Boniface in the 73rd minute being particularly noteworthy.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.8106 - Stuttgart 0.3457
Fastest player: Piero Hincapié (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), 35.53 km/h
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), +6.27

Fantasy Heroes: Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 304 Points), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 242 Points), Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 240 Points)