Match Information
Match Overview
This Regular Season encounter on Matchday 33 represents a crucial fixture between two closely-matched sides, with Bayer Leverkusen currently sitting fourth and VfB Stuttgart just one position below in fifth. At this stage of the campaign, both teams are locked in a battle for European qualification spots, making every point precious in the final weeks of the season.
The most significant factor heading into this encounter is the contrasting recent form between the two sides. Bayer Leverkusen under Kasper Hjulmand have shown resilience in bouncing back from setbacks, securing impressive victories over RB Leipzig on May 2 with a commanding 4-1 display and a hard-fought 2-1 away win at Köln on April 25. Their ability to respond after the DFB Pokal semi-final disappointment against Bayern München on April 22 demonstrates strong mentality. In contrast, Stuttgart's recent league form has been inconsistent, with draws against both Hoffenheim on May 2 and Werder Bremen on April 26 representing dropped points in the race for European places.
The venue factor could prove decisive, with Stuttgart hosting at the MHPArena where they secured an impressive 4-0 victory over Hamburger SV on April 12. However, Sebastian Hoeness's side will need to address their away struggles, evidenced by the heavy 4-2 defeat at Bayern München on April 19 and the 3-3 draw at Hoffenheim. Leverkusen's mixed away record, including the narrow victory at Köln but disappointing home defeats to both Bayern München and FC Augsburg, suggests vulnerability on the road.
With both squads reporting no injury concerns, Sebastian Hoeness and Kasper Hjulmand will have their full arsenals available for this pivotal encounter that could significantly impact the European qualification picture.
Predicted Lineups
VfB Stuttgart
Alexander Nübel; Josha Vagnoman, Luca Jaquez, Jeff Chabot, Ramon Hendriks; Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller; Jamie Leweling, Bilal El Khannouss, Chris Führich; Deniz Undav
Bayer Leverkusen
Mark Flekken; Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba; Montrell Culbreath, Aleix García, Exequiel Palacios, Alejandro Grimaldo; Ibrahim Maza, Nathan Tella; Patrik Schick
Team Form Analysis
VfB Stuttgart
League Position: 5VfB Stuttgart Form Analysis
Stuttgart's recent form presents a mixed picture heading into this crucial encounter. Their league performances have been inconsistent, with Sebastian Hoeness's side managing just one victory in their last four Bundesliga outings. The 3-3 draw away to Hoffenheim on May 2 highlighted both their attacking threat and defensive vulnerabilities, while the 1-1 home stalemate against Werder Bremen on April 26 represented another opportunity missed in the race for European qualification.
The standout result in their recent run was the comprehensive 4-0 home victory over Hamburger SV on April 12, which showcased their potential when clicking in front of goal. However, the heavy 4-2 defeat at Bayern München on April 19 exposed their struggles against top-tier opposition. Their attacking output remains encouraging, with Deniz Undav leading the line effectively and creative threats from Bilal El Khannouss and Chris Führich providing consistent danger.
Defensively, Stuttgart have shown concerning frailties, particularly in away fixtures. The defensive unit of Chabot and Jaquez has struggled for consistency, while their inability to keep clean sheets in recent league matches will be a worry for Sebastian Hoeness. Their cup progression, including the 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg on April 23, demonstrates their capability when focused.
Bayer Leverkusen
League Position: 4Bayer Leverkusen Form Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen enter this fixture with momentum following an impressive recent resurgence under Kasper Hjulmand. Their 4-1 demolition of RB Leipzig on May 2 was a statement performance, demonstrating their quality in attack with Patrik Schick leading the line effectively and creative support from Nathan Tella and Ibrahim Maza causing problems for opposing defenses.
The character shown in securing a 2-1 away victory at Köln on April 25 highlighted their improved mentality and ability to grind out results when not at their fluent best. This resilience represents a marked improvement from earlier inconsistencies, particularly after suffering setbacks against Bayern München in the cup semi-final on April 22 and the disappointing home defeat to FC Augsburg on April 18.
Leverkusen's attacking threat has been consistently impressive, with their front three providing pace and creativity that has troubled most Bundesliga defenses. However, defensive solidity remains a concern, as evidenced by conceding goals in most recent fixtures. The 3-4-2-1 formation has provided attacking fluidity but occasionally left them exposed defensively. Their away form shows promise, particularly the professional victory at Köln and the important win at Borussia Dortmund on April 11, suggesting they can perform effectively away from home when required.
Head-to-Head
VfB Stuttgart
Bayer Leverkusen
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-10 | Bayer Leverkusen | 1 - 4 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2025-03-16 | VfB Stuttgart | 3 - 4 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2024-11-01 | Bayer Leverkusen | 0 - 0 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2024-08-17 | Bayer Leverkusen | 2 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2024-04-27 | Bayer Leverkusen | 2 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2024-02-06 | Bayer Leverkusen | 3 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2023-12-10 | VfB Stuttgart | 1 - 1 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2023-05-14 | VfB Stuttgart | 1 - 1 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2022-11-12 | Bayer Leverkusen | 2 - 0 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 2022-02-12 | Bayer Leverkusen | 4 - 2 | VfB Stuttgart |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these sides has produced consistently entertaining encounters filled with goals and drama. The most striking result came on January 10 when Stuttgart secured a remarkable 4-1 victory away at Leverkusen, completely overturning expectations and demonstrating their capability to produce outstanding performances against quality opposition.
The March 16, 2025 meeting provided another thriller, with Leverkusen edging a seven-goal spectacular 4-3 at Stuttgart, showcasing the attacking intent both sides typically bring to this fixture. Multiple matches have ended in draws, including goalless stalemates and high-scoring affairs, suggesting these teams are often evenly matched despite their tactical differences.
The pattern emerging from recent encounters indicates this fixture typically produces goals, with both sides showing attacking ambition but occasional defensive frailties. The competitive nature of their meetings reflects their similar standings in the league hierarchy, with neither side able to establish consistent dominance over the other in recent seasons.
Venue Factor
The MHPArena has provided Stuttgart with a crucial advantage in recent matches, particularly evidenced by their commanding 4-0 victory over Hamburger SV on April 12. The home support creates an intimidating atmosphere that has helped Sebastian Hoeness's side secure important results when European qualification hopes have been on the line.
However, Stuttgart's home form has not been entirely convincing, with the 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen on April 26 highlighting their occasional struggles to break down organized visiting sides. The venue's atmosphere tends to elevate Stuttgart's intensity levels, but they must convert that energy into consistent attacking output against a well-organized Leverkusen defense.
For Leverkusen, their away record under Kasper Hjulmand shows both promise and concern. While they demonstrated character in securing victory at Köln on April 25, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in several road fixtures. The MHPArena's hostile environment will test their mental strength and tactical discipline, particularly given the significance of this encounter for both teams' European ambitions in the final weeks of the campaign.
Injury Concerns
VfB Stuttgart
Bayer Leverkusen
