Schick’s last-gasp goal seals epic comeback for Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen secured an amazing comeback win over Stuttgart, with a last-minute strike from Patrik Schick.

The defending champions defeated the hosts 4-3, having gone down by a two-goal lead.

Stuttgart started the game as the stronger side as they opened the lead in the 14th minute. Ermedin Demirovic converted a rebound, after Lukas Hradecky had parried a powerful shot from Jamie Leweling.

Xabi Alonso’s side almost got the equaliser five minutes later, but Schick was unable to find the target. The Bundesliga holders kept the possession afterwards but still could not break the Stuttgart wall.

Following the restart of the second-half, the hosts doubled the lead, courtesy of a counter-attack. Nick Woltemade rounded off the attack to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute.

Leverkusen got one back eight minutes later, when Jeremie Frimpong sent a shot into the far corner of the net.

The hosts then restored their two-goal lead with an own goal from Granit Xhaka in the 62nd minute.

Six minutes later, the Werkself commenced the comeback as they reduced the deficit. Piero Hincapie’s effort made it 3-2, following a corner.

Alonso’s Leverkusen showed glimpse of last season’s traits as they equalised in the 88th minute. Substituted Victor Boniface’s cross met Stuttgart defender Angelo Stiller, who turned the ball into his own net.

The visitors continued to press for the winner and got it in the last minute of the game. Schick scored with a header from a Frimpong cross to make it 4-3, and sealed the win for Alonso’s side.

Bayer Leverkusen are now six points behind league leaders, Bayern Munich, who endured a 1-1 draw with Union Berlin.