In an exhilarating display of resilience and nerves of steel, Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious in the German Supercup, edging out VfB Stuttgart 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout after a 2-2 stalemate in regular time. This gripping match, held in Leverkusen, western Germany, had the spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s domestic double champions and a squad that faced only one defeat across all competitions, started the match with the confidence befitting their stature. It took just 11 minutes for them to stamp their authority on the game. Center-back Edmond Tapsoba rose highest to meet a cross at the far post, guiding the ball towards the goal. Poised in position, Victor Boniface made no mistake, tapping it over the line to grant Leverkusen an early lead.
The euphoria among Leverkusen fans was short-lived, however, as Stuttgart did not delay in mounting a response. Just four minutes later, Enzo Millot skillfully equalized, marking an aggressive reply from Stuttgart and ensuring the contest remained wide open. This match was noteworthy as it featured the first German season opener in 13 years without Bayern Munich, adding an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the proceedings.
Controversy and drama unfolded in the 37th minute when Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge. This reduced Xabi Alonso’s men to 10 and gave Stuttgart an apparent upper hand. The numerical advantage seemed to tilt the balance towards Stuttgart, who repeatedly threatened Leverkusen’s goal, striking the woodwork an astonishing three times. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when substitute Deniz Undav found the net barely seconds after coming on, thanks to an incisive cutback from Frans Kraetzig.
Despite being down a man and trailing in the scoreline, Leverkusen’s determination, famously earning them the moniker “Neverlusen,” was once again on display. Throughout last season’s league and German Cup campaigns, the team had repeatedly demonstrated their knack for scoring crucial late goals. This match proved no different.
. With the clock ticking down, Patrik Schick latched onto an expertly threaded through ball from Alejandro Grimaldo and slotted it home, leveling the match just two minutes shy of full-time.
With the scores knotted up at 2-2 after regulation, the match proceeded to the nerve-wracking drama of a penalty shootout. Leverkusen displayed remarkable composure under pressure, converting all four of their penalties with precision. Stuttgart, on the other hand, faltered when it mattered most. Silas, entrusted with a critical spot-kick, missed the target, handing Leverkusen the victory and the Supercup trophy.
The spectacle of Bayer Leverkusen’s players celebrating with the trophy was a joyous sight for their supporters, a testament to their resilience and grit. This victory adds yet another chapter to Leverkusen’s storied history, particularly as they continue to forge a reputation for their dramatic comebacks and clutch performances.
As the dust settles from this thrilling encounter, questions will undoubtedly arise for Stuttgart. Despite their solid performance and the advantage of playing against a depleted Leverkusen for much of the match, they were unable to seal the victory in regular time or the subsequent shootout. For Leverkusen, the win serves as an affirmation of their strength, teamwork, and the strategic acumen of their manager, Xabi Alonso.
Their triumph sends a clear message to rivals in the Bundesliga and across Europe: this is a team built to withstand adversity, capable of handling intense pressure, and determined to secure silverware against all odds. As they bask in the glory of their Supercup success, thoughts will inevitably turn to their upcoming challenges. If this match is any indication, Bayer Leverkusen will be a formidable force in any competition they enter this season.
This captivating Supercup decider has set a high standard for the new season, promising fans of German football more thrilling encounters and high-stakes drama. Bayer Leverkusen’s victory, earned through sheer tenacity and precise execution under pressure, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout moments of the year.
