- Bayer Leverkusen won the German Super Cup final against Stuttgart on Saturday
- Xabi Alonso’s team needed an equaliser in the 88th minute to force a penalty shootout
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
One of the key attributes of Bayer Leverkusen, who won both the Bundesliga and the German Cup last season without losing a single game, was their ability to score goals in the closing stages.
Leverkusen have scored seven 85th-minute equalisers in all competitions in the final three months of their remarkable 2023-24 season.
On Saturday, Xabi Alonso’s men picked up where they left off and pulled off a spectacular turnaround by beating Stuttgart in the German Super Cup final.
Stuttgart, who qualified for the one-off match by beating Bayern Munich into second place in the Bundesliga last season, led 2-1 with 87 minutes and 43 seconds remaining.
But Leverkusen, who were reduced to ten men, still managed to level the score: 2-2 thanks to a controlled goal from Patrik Schick.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is pictured holding up the German Super Cup on Saturday
Leverkusen have now won three trophies in four months after winning the double last season
But Leverkusen were losing the Super Cup final until Patrik Schick equalised in the 88th minute
Stuttgart played well, but eventually lost in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw
Leverkusen players pose for a team photo after winning the German Super Cup
Schick then found the net again on the penalty shootout, as did Leverkusen’s three other penalty takers, while Franz Kratzig and Silas both failed to convert their shots for Stuttgart.
Victor Boniface had already given Leverkusen a good start by putting the German champions ahead after just eleven minutes.
But Enzo Millot equalised for Stuttgart four minutes later, before Martin Terrier was shown a red card for a foul at the end of the first half.
Stuttgart took possession after Terrier cleared the ball and hit the woodwork three times.
They deservedly took the lead in the 63rd minute when former Brighton striker Deniz Undav scored his 20th goal for his current club within seconds of coming on as a substitute.
But Leverkusen stayed in the game and ultimately did just enough to take home their third trophy in four months.