Down to 10 men for over half the match, Bayer Leverkusen claimed an exhilarating German Supercup by overcoming VfB Stuttgart 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Early leaders Leverkusen, the reigning home double champions, did so in the 11th minute when Victor Boniface followed up to head an initial effort from Edmond Tapsoba and pushed the ball over the line. Stuttgart responded swiftly to equalise four minutes later as Enzo Millot struck.
The 37th minute proved to be a turning point for Stuttgart as Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge. Stuttgart hit the woodwork three times before substitute Deniz Undav finally put them ahead in the 63rd minute.
But again, Neverusen strengths of Leverkusen came to the fore. A dramatic equaliser from Patrik Schick in the 88th minute set up a penalty shoot-out.
Leverkusen scored all their four penalties as Stuttgart’s Silas missed the decisive spot-kick to secure the Supercup victory for Xabi Alonso’s side.
