Stuttgart – Bayer Leverkusen: Hoeneß Back In The Driving Seat For Champions League Qualification (3-1)

There was undoubtedly one highlight fixture of the Bundesliga weekend – Bayer Leverkusen’s visit to Stuttgart. After a surprise victory against RB Leipzig in the prior weekend, Leverkusen entered the run-in for Champions League qualification heading into the final two league games. Meanwhile, that was the same weekend when Stuttgart dropped points after a 3-3 draw to Hoffenheim. Therefore, both teams were determined for a victory to stay on course to achieve their goal of Champions League qualification.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

The consequence of last weekend’s results was a slight but important reshuffle in the Bundesliga standings, particularly for those teams vying for Champions League qualification. Stuttgart clinched a last-minute draw against Hoffenheim whilst Bayer Leverkusen surprisingly defeated RB Leipzig. Since Stuttgart and Hoffenheim dropped points, Leverkusen overtook the pair by jumping up to 4th place. Although they were tied on points, Leverkusen were in a higher position due to their goal difference.

This set up a very interesting Saturday, with Stuttgart hosting Leverkusen whilst Hoffenheim took on Werder Bremen and Leipzig faced St. Pauli. The headline fixture was undoubtedly the game at the MHP Arena since Hoffenheim and Leipzig were expected to defeat their opponents, who are in or around the relegation zone.

Sebastian Hoeneß made four changes to the starting eleven that he fielded against Hoffenheim. In defense, Maximilian Mittelstädt replaced Josha . . .