Demirović double powers Stuttgart’s 4-2 victory

VfB Stuttgart beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 at the BayArena, with Ermedin Demirović’s two goals setting the visitors on course for a win that their 2.88 expected-goals figure also supported. Leverkusen’s 64% possession and 24 shots, compared with Stuttgart’s 36% and 15, did not produce the better result.

Demirović sets the tone

Demirović opened the scoring for Stuttgart in the 14th minute, making it 0-1. Jamie Leweling doubled the lead at 22' for 0-2 before Patrik Schick pulled Leverkusen back to 1-2 in the 28th minute, assisted by Aleix García.

Stuttgart restored its two-goal advantage shortly after half-time when Bilal El Khannouss scored in the 51st minute, assisted by Chris Führich, for 1-3. Demirović then struck again at 65', with Deniz Undav providing the assist, to make it 1-4. Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring at 79', assisted by Miguel Gutiérrez, reducing the score to 2-4.

Demirović was the outstanding performer by match rating, earning 8.8 after 90 minutes. He recorded two goals and three shots on target, while El Khannouss also scored and posted a 7.7 rating.

Leverkusen’s pressure brings no recovery

Leverkusen had 431 accurate passes to Stuttgart’s 228, 12 corners to three and eight shots on goal to seven. However, Stuttgart goalkeeper saves were six compared with three for Leverkusen, helping preserve the visitors’ lead. Both teams received four yellow cards; four players were booked at 40', and Demirović was cautioned at 64'.

Table impact

Leverkusen went into the game fourth with 13 points and now remain on 13 from eight matches, provisionally tied with two other teams. Stuttgart rose from six points to nine after eight games and are provisionally level with three other teams. Leverkusen’s lead over Stuttgart is now four points, reduced from seven.