A Historic Victory
Bayer Leverkusen, with ten men, triumphed over Stuttgart in a thrilling penalty shootout, winning the German Super Cup for the first time. The match, held on Saturday, ended 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Victor Boniface scored for Leverkusen in the 11th minute, but Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot equalized just four minutes later.
The Turning Point
The game took a dramatic turn when Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier received a red card for a dangerous tackle just before half-time. Playing with a man down, Leverkusen faced an uphill battle. In the second half, Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav put his team ahead, but Patrik Schick equalized for Leverkusen with just two minutes left, pushing the match to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the penalty shootout, Bayern Munich loanee Frans Kraetzig and Silas Mvumpa missed their shots for Stuttgart. Leverkusen, however, converted all their penalties, securing the victory. Coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s resilience and spirit, saying, “What we did in the last 10 or 15 minutes, with a man down, to score the equaliser — it was unbelievable.”
An Unusual Season Opener
This season-opening match was notable as it was the first German Super Cup since 1993 not to feature either Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund. Stuttgart’s remarkable turnaround last season, going from relegation struggles to second place in the league, set the stage for this exciting encounter.
Stuttgart’s Summer of Change
Stuttgart faced significant changes over the summer, with several key players departing. Despite the upheaval, their performance in this match indicated that they are heading in the right direction. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness expressed optimism, stating, “Before the game, we didn’t really know where we stand this season. So for us it was a clear sign that we’re again going in the right direction.”
Leverkusen’s Strong Start
Leverkusen, the unbeaten winners of last season’s Bundesliga and German Cup double, managed to retain their key players. They started the match strong, with Boniface scoring early. However, the match’s intensity increased after Terrier’s red card, leading to a fiercely contested battle.
The Decisive Moments
Stuttgart had several chances to score, with Millot and Pascal Stenzel coming close. In the second half, substitutes Undav and Kraetzig combined to give Stuttgart the lead. However, Leverkusen’s reputation for scoring late goals came through once again. In the dying minutes, Alex Grimaldo set up Schick, who equalized and sent the match to penalties.
A Perfect Penalty Performance
Leverkusen’s flawless performance in the penalty shootout clinched their historic win. This victory marks their first domestic triumph since May 2023 and sets a positive tone for the season ahead. The Buchi Babu tournament, revived last year, provided an excellent platform for this high-stakes clash, demonstrating the competitive spirit of both teams.
Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen’s victory in the German Super Cup against Stuttgart highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Despite playing with ten men, they secured a win through determination and skill. This match sets a promising tone for the upcoming season, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of football. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
