Bayer Leverkusen, despite playing with 10 men for over half the match, clinched the German Supercup with a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties after securing a late equalizer for a 2-2 draw against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday.
Leverkusen, who won the domestic double last season and lost only once in all competitions, took the lead in just 11 minutes. Edmond Tapsoba’s header found Victor Boniface, who pushed the ball over the line.
Stuttgart responded quickly, leveling the score with a shot from Enzo Millot in the first German season opener not featuring Bayern Munich in 13 years.
Leverkusen’s advantage was undermined when Martin Terrier received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge in the 37th minute, leaving them with 10 men. Stuttgart capitalized, hitting the woodwork three times and taking the lead in the 63rd minute through Deniz Undav, who scored from a Frans Kraetzig cutback shortly after coming on.
However, Leverkusen’s resilience shone through once again. Patrik Schick, capitalizing on an Alejandro Grimaldo through ball, scored a late equalizer two minutes before the final whistle.
In the penalty shootout, Leverkusen held their nerve, converting all four penalties, while Stuttgart’s Silas missed the decisive spot-kick, sealing the victory for Leverkusen.
