- Bayer Leverkusen won the German Super Cup final against Stuttgart on Saturday
- Xabi Alonso’s team needed the equaliser in the 88th minute to force a penalty shootout
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A key feature of the Bayer Leverkusen team that won the Bundesliga and German Cup double without losing a single domestic game last season was their ability to score late goals.
Leverkusen have scored seven equalising goals beyond the 85th minute in all competitions in the final three months of their remarkable 2023-24 campaign.
Xabi Alonso’s men picked up where they left off on Saturday by pulling off a dramatic comeback to beat Stuttgart in the German Super Cup final.
Stuttgart, who qualified for the one-off match by overtaking Bayern Munich for second place in the Bundesliga last season, were leading 2-1 after 87 minutes and 43 seconds.
But Leverkusen, despite playing with 10 men, equalised the match at 2-2 thanks to a precise finish from Patrik Schick.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso pictured lifting the German Super Cup on Saturday
Leverkusen have lifted 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 ultimately lost on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Leverkusen players pose for a team photo after winning the German Super Cup
Schick scored again in the shoot-out, as did Leverkusen’s other three takers, while Frans Kratzig and Silas failed to convert their efforts for Stuttgart.
Victor Boniface had earlier given Leverkusen a flying start by putting the German champions ahead after just 11 minutes.
But Enzo Millot equalised for Stuttgart four minutes later, before Martin Terrier was shown a straight red card late in the first half for a studs foul.
After Terrier was sent off, Stuttgart took possession and hit the crossbar 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 seconds after coming off the bench.
But Leverkusen stayed in the game and ultimately did enough to claim their third trophy in four months.