VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß has addressed whether there is a potential rivalry growing between Bayer Leverkusen who they face on Friday evening.
On if Stuttgart and Leverkusen have become recent rivals, Hoeneß said:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case. Something has certainly developed. A healthy rivalry, because the games were on equal terms. With emotions that are surely still in the memory.”
Hoeneß then added:
“The games have always been great recently, with lots of emotion. You saw exactly what football is all about: good football, lots of intensity and fast play. In the end, it’s all about winning games like this for us. We’ll try to do that.”
Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso showed his respect towards Stuttgart in his press conference as well, labelling their games as “always very intense” and revealing “I’m exhausted after every game against Stuttgart”.
The games between Leverkusen and Stuttgart under Alonso and Hoeneß have always been entertaining. Die Werkself have only been able to beat Stuttgart once in normal time and that required a 90th minute winner from Jonathan Tah in the DFB Pokal last season.
Every other game has ended in a draw (1-1, 2-2 and 2-2) but while the most recent meeting ended in a draw, Leverkusen won the DFL Super Cup on penalties earlier this season. The game at the BayArena in August was the most heated game with Martin Terrier getting sent off on his debut as well as 11 yellow cards being distributed between the teams.
The History of a Heated Rivalry
The recent clashes between these two teams have seen both sides display impressive football and a fair amount of grit. It’s clear that the rivalry is blossoming, and each game has been a thrilling spectacle.
The most recent encounter was the DFL Supercup match earlier this season, and it saw both teams push each other to the limit. Leverkusen ultimately prevailed, but the match was a demonstration of the fierce competitive spirit that is developing between the two teams.
This Friday’s encounter, a Bundesliga match at the BayArena, promises to be another fascinating chapter in the nascent rivalry. Leverkusen are currently in third place in the table, with 15 points from eight Bundesliga games, while Stuttgart are in eighth place with 12 points.
Leverkusen: Maintaining Momentum
Leverkusen, the defending Bundesliga champion, are looking to build on their strong start to the season. They've shown their mettle by drawing with Bayern Munich and Holstein Kiel, while also securing a narrow 2-1 home victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Their last matchday against Werder Bremen ended in a 2-2 draw, their third draw of the season.
Despite the recent draw, they've gone two months without defeat and are sitting in a comfortable third place, five points behind the joint leaders Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. However, they are the only team to have led in all eight of their league games and dropped nine points from winning positions this season, with only Wolfsburg worse off (11). This is a far cry from last season, when they did not squander a single point after taking the lead.
Xabi Alonso acknowledges their defensive issues and calls for improvement. “It's a big task for us to improve our defensive performance. We can score a lot of goals but we must not concede them. We hope to keep a clean sheet and we need to play well with and without the ball.”
Stuttgart: Building on Wins
Stuttgart are sitting in eighth place after winning three, drawing three and losing two of their eight Bundesliga matches. Although outside the European places, their recent form is encouraging. They've secured three consecutive victories in all competitions, including a dramatic 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
Their recent wins over Holstein Kiel and Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal have cemented their confidence. However, their away league form is a concern, as they've won just one of their four Bundesliga away matches.
Stuttgart will have to play at their best if they want to beat Leverkusen for the first time since recording a 1-0 away win in April 2018.
Key Players to Watch
On the Leverkusen side, Victor Boniface is a key player to watch. The striker is currently the Bundesliga's leading scorer with six goals this season, and he will be looking to add to his tally against Stuttgart. Florian Wirtz, also a key player, is expected to lead the attack alongside Boniface. He already has four goals this season.
For Stuttgart, Ermedin Demirovic is a crucial player to watch. He has five goals this season and is a key figure in their attack. Stuttgart will be looking to him to provide a spark against the Leverkusen defense.
Predicting the Outcome
The game promises to be a close one, with both teams possessing the quality and experience to claim victory. Leverkusen are favorites given their home advantage and recent form. But, Stuttgart's impressive run in all competitions suggests that they will be a formidable opponent.
Expect a fast-paced and entertaining match, with both teams looking to secure a valuable victory. The outcome is up for grabs, and it will be interesting to see if a clear winner emerges in this exciting clash between two teams that are quickly becoming rivals.
This game is more than just a football match. It’s a statement of intent. It’s a battle for supremacy. And it’s a chance for a young rivalry to truly blossom.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry in the Making
The rivalry between Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in the Bundesliga. Each match between these two teams is a captivating clash of styles, intensity, and passion. With both sides having the quality to be top contenders, this rivalry is only going to get bigger and better.
While the upcoming match might not be the deciding factor in the title race, it will be a vital opportunity for both sides to solidify their positions in the league table and continue their pursuit of silverware. It's a match that will be watched closely by fans throughout the Bundesliga and beyond. The anticipation for this game is high, and the excitement surrounding this rivalry is only going to grow.
