Bayer Leverkusen leaves it late to win DFL Super Cup

It is a new season but the same old Bayer Leverkusen as Xabi Alonso’s side equalised in the 87th minutes to beat Stuttgart in the German Super Cup final on penalties.

Xabi Alonso’s men continued where they left off by producing a dramatic turnaround to keep the domestic unbeaten streak alive and win the DFL Super Cup.

Despite being down to 10 men, Leverkusen levelled the contest at 2-2 thanks to a composed finish from Patrik Schick, to later beat Stuttgart 4-3 on penalties.

Stuttgart, who qualified for the one-off game by pipping Bayern Munich to second place in the Bundesliga last season, were leading 2-1 with 87 minutes but conceded a late goal, which cost them the trophy.

Victor Boniface got Leverkusen off to a fine start when he scored after just 11 minutes to fire the German champions in front.

But Stuttgart drew levelled four minutes after with Enzo Millot’s strike before Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge later in the first half.

Stuttgart controlled the game, gaining possession following Terrier’s dismissal and was unlucky to hit the woodwork three times.

However, they went ahead in the 63rd minute when former Brighton striker Deniz Undav scored his 20th goal for the club few seconds after coming off the bench.

Relentless Leverkusen stayed in the game with their never-say-die attitude as Schick latched onto an Alejandro Grimaldo throughball to level two minutes from time.

They kept their cool from the spot and scored all four penalties as Hradecky saved Kratzig spot kick and Silas blasted over the bar to seal Leverkusen’s third trophy in four months.

Xabi Alonso and his boys will hope to add more silverware to their cabinent as they begin their second full campaign together.