Leverkusen – Stuttgart: Leweling at the Double as Stuttgart Humble Leverkusen (1-4)

Sebastian Hoeneß’s Stuttgart delivered a tactical masterclass, dismantling Kasper Hjulmand’s Bayer Leverkusen with a devastating first-half performance. In a game played under freezing conditions, the visitors ended a 15-match winless streak against Die Werkself by scoring four times before the interval and handed head coach Sebastian Hoeneß his first victory over them after 12 previous attempts. While Leverkusen found a consolation through an Alejandro Grimaldo penalty, they had no answer for Stuttgart’s ruthless transition play and clinical finishes. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

The atmosphere in Leverkusen was tense as the hosts aimed to solidify their standing following the winter break. However, Hjulmand was forced into a makeshift lineup due to key absences, including several players away at AFCON. Stuttgart capitalized on this instability, deploying a high-intensity system that targeted Leverkusen's disorganized defensive transitions and build-up play from the opening whistle. Also making use of strict man-to-man pressing system to lock down key players Aleix Garcia and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Bayer Leverkusen lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation Mark Flekken started in goal behind a defensive unit of Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, and Jeanuël Belocian. The midfield featured Aleix García and Ezequiel "Equi" Fernández in the pivot, with Arthur and Alejandro Grimaldo as wing-backs. Nathan Tella and Malik Tillman operated in the pockets behind the striker, Martin Terrier.

Stuttgart utilized a complex 4-2-3-1 under Sebastian Hoeneß. Alexander Nübel stood behind a defensive duo of Jeff Chabot and Ramon Hendriks, with Josha Vagnoman and Maximilian Mittelstädt in the fullback roles. Atakan Karazor and Angelo Stiller anchored . . .