Leverkusen falter in front of goal in goalless draw against Stuttgart

Bayer Leverkusen missed crucial chances and settled for a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against Stuttgart on Friday, slipping further behind in their title defence.

The home side, dominant throughout the match, failed to capitalize on opportunities, with key players Victor Boniface, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong unable to find the net.

The draw leaves Leverkusen with 11 points dropped this season, nearly matching the 12 they conceded during their unbeaten title run last year.

As a result, they could trail league leaders Bayern Munich by as much as seven points by the end of the weekend.

Despite relentless pressure, Leverkusen couldn’t break through a resolute Stuttgart defence.

Frimpong had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, while Stuttgart’s keeper Alexander Nuebel denied Boniface at close range just before the break. Stuttgart mounted a rare attack in the 60th minute, with Deniz Undav narrowly missing the target.

Leverkusen’s inability to convert was underscored when Boniface, with a clear chance, shot directly at Nuebel instead of passing to an unmarked Wirtz.

This lack of a clinical edge contrasted with last season’s habit of snatching late goals, leaving Leverkusen fans frustrated.

Leverkusen must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Liverpool on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed RB Leipzig will seek to widen the gap at the top with their matches on Saturday.