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Champion Bayer Leverkusen hosted runner-up VfB Stuttgart on matchday 9, but failed to crack the Swabians.
- Bayer Leverkusen – VfB Stuttgart 0-0
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Leverkusen – The proclaimed “character test” in DFB-Cup, VfB Stuttgart passed with flying colors according to sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth. Thanks to the continuation of a monster home series and the move into the round of 16, the runner-up will now go into the Bundesliga game against defending champion Bayer Leverkusen on Friday (all TV information) with increased self-confidence.
Stuttgart wants to extend its winning streak against champions Leverkusen
With the 2-1 win against last year’s finalists 1. FC Kaiserslautern from the 2. Football Bundesliga The Swabians have won all of the last three games – including the strong performance in the Champions League at Juventus Turin.
But another brand is truly more impressive. VfB hasn’t lost a game in their home arena for more than a year. Stuttgart suffered their last defeat at home on October 28, 2023 against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. In the 2:3, Chris Führich, who played so well in the first half of the season and was later called up to the national team, scored.
Leverkusen meets Stuttgart. © IMAGO/Kolvenbach
Cup hero Führich is in a slump in form – his performance against FCK could give him a boost
Recently, however, the 26-year-old went through a phase of weakness. This season he lost his regular place. He hadn’t been involved in a VfB goal since April – until the duel with FCK. Immediately before the final quarter of an hour began, the ball reached Führich, who shot it into the far corner and provided great relief for VfB.
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In Leverkusen, Führich is in danger of being displaced again by Jamie Leweling. “I can definitely accept that,” he said in the Sky interview. “It’s also the case that the boys on the pitch are doing very, very well. I would also like to highlight Jamie, who is currently very deserving of this and I just have to keep working.”
