Bayer Leverkusen secured the German Super Cup in a nail-biting finish, winning on penalties against Stuttgart after a last-minute equalizer kept their hopes alive.
Xabi Alonso’s team, who had an impressive unbeaten streak of 51 games at the start of last season and clinched the German double, looked on the brink of a surprising defeat in their opening match of the 2024-25 season. The game, held at their home ground, saw Leverkusen trailing until the final moments against last season’s Bundesliga runners-up.
Leverkusen took the lead when Victor Boniface tapped in from close range after Edmond Tapsoba’s header, but Stuttgart responded quickly with Enzo Millot’s powerful first-time shot from 16 yards out to level the score.
The match turned more challenging for Leverkusen when debutant Martin Terrier was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Ermedin Demirovic. Stuttgart capitalized on their advantage, with Deniz Undav, a recent permanent signing from Brighton, putting the visitors ahead with his first touch after coming off the bench.
However, Leverkusen’s resilience shone through when Patrik Schick latched onto a through ball from Alex Grimaldo and slotted home with just two minutes left, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
In the tense shootout, Stuttgart’s Frans Kratzig and Silas were the only players to miss their spot-kicks, allowing Leverkusen to claim a 4-3 victory.
This triumph marks Leverkusen’s fifth major trophy, adding to their impressive haul from last season’s German league and cup victories, along with the 1993 German Cup and the 1988 UEFA Cup. Notably, this was the first German Super Cup since 2011 that did not feature Bayern Munich, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season.
Leverkusen’s dramatic win highlights their continued dominance in German football and sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season.
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