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.
A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.
Show more
In keeping with the current freezing temperatures, Bayer 04 has heavily discounted numerous winter items – from cozy hats and sporty matchday clothing to stylish fleece and winter jackets.
Show more
The fourth showdown in the VBL Club Championship 2025/26 starts for the Leverkusen eSports team today, Thursday 22 January (live on the B04eSports Twitch channel and on the Bayer 04 app from 19:00 CET). In the online preliminary round, the Black and Reds will once again compete with six previously drawn opponents for a place in the Top 16 and the associated entry into the offline knockout round in Berlin on 2 February at the fourth showdown. The lowdown on our next three opponents in the online preliminary round.
Show more
A month on from the last match of the old year, the Werkself also play the first game of the new year in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. Roberto Pätzold's side open Matchday 15 with the meeting at promoted side 1. FC Union Berlin on Friday (18:30 CET).
Show more
