Bayer Leverkusen, with only 10 players for more than half of the game, triumphed over VfB Stuttgart 4-3 in a penalty shootout after scoring a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw in the German Supercup.
Leverkusen, who were the winners of the domestic double and suffered only one defeat in all competitions last season, wasted no time in taking the lead. Edmond Tapsoba headed towards the goal at the far post, and Victor Boniface nudged the ball over the line, just 11 minutes into the match. Stuttgart retaliated just four minutes later, as Enzo Millot fired a shot into the net, marking the first time in 13 years that Bayern Munich wasn’t featured in the opening match of the German season. Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso’s side was reduced to 10 players when Martin Terrier received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge in the 37th minute. Stuttgart promptly seized control of the game.
Despite hitting the woodwork three times, the visitors managed to take the lead in the 63rd minute. Substitute Deniz Undav, who had just entered the field, connected with a pass from Frans Kraetzig to find the back of the net.
Leverkusen once again displayed their unwavering determination, which led to numerous late goals in the previous season and secured them an unbeaten league record and an impressive German Cup run. This remarkable resilience earned them the moniker ‘Neverlusen’. The same fighting spirit was evident as Patrik Schick capitalized on a through ball from Alejandro Grimaldo, equalizing the score just two minutes before the final whistle. Leverkusen maintained their composure during the penalty shootout, successfully converting all four spot-kicks, while Stuttgart’s Silas failed to convert the decisive penalty for his team.
