This fixture pits two of the three highest-scoring teams in the current Bundesliga season against each other. Bayer 04 have netted 38 goals, Stuttgart 33. Only FC Bayern Munich (43) have hit the net more often.
A look at previous encounters between the two sides shows that the Werkself enjoy playing against VfB, particularly at their place. Bayer 04 have lost just one of their last 23 competitive games against the Cannstatt club, and they're unbeaten in their last 11 visits to Stuttgart - their longest current unbeaten run away from home against any club. What's more, VfB have suffered their second-most Bundesliga home defeats against Bayer 04.
Stuttgart are enjoying a very successful season, just five points off Bayer 04 at the top of the table. 30 points at this stage of the campaign represents the club's second-best Bundesliga season ever. Key to that success have been an attacking duo who have been in free-scoring form since the start of the season. Serhou Guirassy has netted 16 times in 11 league appearances, while his strike partner Deniz Undav has scored eight goals so far. Including assists, the pair have been directly involved in 29 of Sebastian Hoeneß's team's 33 league goals.
4,000 Bayer 04 fans will be cheering the team on in the Baden-Württemberg state capital. Xabi Alonso thanked the fans for their phenomenal support once again in Friday's press conference: "It's really nice that so many fans are always there - whether away or at home. We feel the enthusiasm of our fans very clearly and are super grateful. We want to play to our best on Sunday and then hopefully celebrate the next win with our fans."
Deniz Aytekin is the referee for today's match. The 45-year-old has officiated 36 competitive games involving Bayer 04 to date. They've resulted in 16 wins, seven draws and 13 losses. Aytekin's assistants are Christian Dietz and Eduard Beitinger, with Robert Schröder as VAR.
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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