Leverkusen grab last-gasp 4-3 win at Stuttgart to keep title race alive

Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable late comeback to defeat VfB Stuttgart 4-3 in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter on Sunday, ending a three-game losing streak in all competitions and reducing Bayern Munich’s lead at the top of the table to six points. Patrik Schick’s stoppage-time header sealed the victory after Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller’s 88th-minute own goal had leveled the scores.

The result provided a much-needed boost for Leverkusen, who had exited the Champions League to Bayern Munich earlier in the week (losing both legs) and suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen last weekend.

Leverkusen now have 56 points.

Ermedin Demirovic gave Stuttgart the lead in the 15th minute, and Nick Woltemade doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half, finishing off a swift counter-attack.

Leverkusen responded in the 56th minute, with Jeremie Frimpong scoring after Stuttgart repeatedly failed to clear the ball.

However, the hosts restored their two-goal lead in the 62nd minute when Lukas Hradecky saved a Demirovic shot, but the ball rebounded in off Granit Xhaka for an own goal.

Piero Hincapie gave renewed hope, drilling in a short in the 68th minute.

Amine Adli nearly equalized.

Stiller’s unfortunate own goal in the 88th minute brought Leverkusen level, setting up a dramatic finale. Schick then headed home the winner deep into stoppage time, completing a pulsating comeback and keeping Leverkusen’s title hopes alive.

“The late goal was a magic moment for us and the celebrations were very emotional,” Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said. “Compliments to my players who never gave up. We had the will until the very end to get those three points. Stuttgart played a very strong game. This win is very good for us after the defeat this week in the Champions League.”

Leverkusen are also through to the German Cup last four, where they will face third-tier Arminia Bielefeld next month. The victory provided a timely boost as the Bundesliga enters the international break, with Bayern Munich drawing 1-1 at Union Berlin on Saturday.