Bayer Leverkusen, the defending champions, had a goal ruled out and hit the woodwork twice in a goalless draw with VfB Stuttgart. This is the fifth time in nine games this season that they've dropped points.

Bundesliga, Round 9: Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 VfB Stuttgart

The match got off to a bad start for Stuttgart when Jamie Leweling was forced off with an injury after just eight minutes. Fabian Rieder came on as a replacement, which disrupted Hoeneß's initial game plan. Despite this, Stuttgart managed to cope with the early pressure from Leverkusen, who started the match with clear intentions.

Leverkusen were the dominant force in the first half but couldn't make their superiority count. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo both had shots on goal in the 12th and 14th minutes, respectively, but goalkeeper Alexander Nübel was up to the task. The home team kept up the pressure, but Frimpong had a goal disallowed for offside in the 32nd minute. Edmond Tapsoba came really close in the 41st minute, but his header from a corner hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Leverkusen kept up the pressure on the Stuttgart goal. Victor Boniface came close to breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute, striking the upright. Nübel was on fire, making a series of crucial saves, including denying Boniface in a one-on-one situation that seemed certain to result in a goal.

Stuttgart showed real resilience despite facing constant pressure. The defensive trio of Anthony Rouault, Anrie Chase and Maximilian Mittelstädt worked really hard to keep Leverkusen at bay. The visitors also managed to create a few chances on the counter-attack, with substitute Chris Führich forcing a save from Lukáš Hrádecký in the 81st minute.

Nübel's outstanding performance was key to Stuttgart getting a point at the BayArena. He made four crucial saves, including several from point-blank range, far exceeding his expected saves of 2.3. He was perfectly positioned, had great reflexes and commanded the penalty area throughout the match, frustrating Leverkusen's attackers time and again. The Bayern Munich loanee's standout display was the key to Stuttgart securing a valuable point against a dominant Leverkusen side. His save from Boniface in the 73rd minute was particularly noteworthy.