Bayer Leverkusen misses chances in 0-0 draw with Stuttgart in Bundesliga

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen did everything but score against Stuttgart in an emphatic 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga on Friday ahead of both Champions League games next week.

Leverkusen hit the post twice, forced Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to save several times, and Jeremie Frimpong’s goal was disallowed due to offside.

Leverkusen are third in the table but could end the weekend with a seven-point lead if Bayern or Leipzig win their matches on Saturday.

Stuttgart had few clear chances against a Leverkusen defense that had made several costly errors and conceded at least once in all previous Bundesliga games this season.

However, it was also the first game this season in which Leverkusen failed to score and their fourth draw in their last six games in all competitions. The closest Leverkusen came to scoring was when Victor Bonifas hit the post in the 53rd from a good position.

Missed chances have been a recurring theme in a season where Xabi Alonso’s side have often failed to score the kind of late winning goals that contributed to their victory last season.

Leverkusen face Liverpool on Tuesday in the Champions League, while Stuttgart hosts Atalanta on Wednesday.