VfB Stuttgart defeated Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 in the Bundesliga opener of 2026, bolstering their Champions League ambitions. German national team candidates like Jamie Leweling and Deniz Undav shone, signaling their readiness for the World Cup to coach Julian Nagelsmann. Both teams now sit level on 29 points.
At Bayer Leverkusen's BayArena, VfB Stuttgart celebrated their first win against the hosts since April 2018. The Swabians dominated the first half, leading 4-0 at halftime. Jamie Leweling scored a brace (7th and 45th minutes), Maximilian Mittelstädt converted a penalty (29th minute), and Deniz Undav added a goal (45+2). Alejandro Grimaldo pulled one back for Leverkusen from the spot (66th minute).
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß secured his first competitive victory over the Werkself in twelve attempts. Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand was without injured Patrik Schick, who had muscular issues. 'He has a bit of muscular problems. Nothing big, but enough not to play,' Hjulmand explained.
The match was dubbed a small derby. Bayer defender Robert Andrich said beforehand: 'Stuttgart is like a small derby. The cities aren't close, but a rivalry has developed.' Leweling hoped for World Cup involvement: 'I've seen the video of the quarters and hope to spend one or two nights there,' he said about the DFB basecamp in Winston-Salem.
Several Stuttgart national team hopefuls impressed, including Leweling (three goals, five assists this season), Undav (ninth goal post-injury), and Mittelstädt. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth noted: It's 'too early' for World Cup talk, but some have made 'the right step.' Prior surprises in selections, like omitting Mittelstädt and Angelo Stiller, were highlighted. Stuttgart thus drew level with Leverkusen and solidified their top-table position.
