Summarize this content in well-structured paragraphs in German language and keep HTML tags Leverkusen has secured the DFL Supercup with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory (2-2) against VfB … More Stuttgart. (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen has continued its remarkable domestic form by winning the DFL Supercup against VfB Stuttgart in dramatic fashion on penalties (4-3). After Victor Boniface (11’) took the lead, Stuttgart turned the result around thanks to goals by Enzo Millot (18’) and Deniz Undav (63’) before Patrik Schick equalized (88’) for a decimated Leverkusen side after Martin Terrier (37’) was sent off.
After 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties. While Leverkusen was perfect from the spot, Frans Krätzig and Silas missed their spot kicks for Stuttgart.
The match confirmed storylines from last season. Once again, Leverkusen came back late to rescue a result. Also, once again, Stuttgart took Die Werkself the entire way and dominated the hosts at times in front of 30,210 visitors at the BayArena.
Either way, the game was at times spectacular, and many inside the stadium wondered whether Leverkusen and Stuttgart are again Germany’s best two teams. “We will see over the course of the season,” Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav said. “We have to confirm our performances and show it over the full 90 minutes.”
Although they were excellent, Stuttgart, in fact, showed their disappointment with the result. “Perhaps next time we finally beat them,” Undav said. When asked about drawing positives from the result, the striker then went on the defensive.
“We would have 34 points if we play every game like this,” Undav said. “The key is to be on for the full 90 minutes. Nobody is helped if we play well for 60 to 75 minutes. Also, you have to remember every opponent will be different. But if we continue to play like this and the new signings are integrated, then we will see what will be possible this season.”
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Once again, Stuttgart took Leverkusen all the way. (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu via Getty … More Images)Anadolu via Getty Images
Undav wasn’t the only one to preach caution. “The disappointment at the moment is bigger than the proudness of having played well,” head of the first team at VfB Stuttgart Christian Gentner said. “We controlled the game until the 75th or 80th minute but not the last 10 minutes. They were able to put too much pressure on us despite being down a player.”
While Stuttgart pondered what they felt was a missed opportunity, the Leverkusen bosses were happy with their latest late comeback victory. “I am very happy that we started the season like this,” Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso said.
In fact, it sounds like Leverkusen’s late press for the equalizer was by design. “Even though we went 2-1 down in the second half, we were patient and planned to only go full throttle and press for the last 15 minutes. We did that brilliantly; the team was great.”
Same old Leverkusen then? The comeback with a man down was indeed impressive. But part of the story is also that Stuttgart once again pushed Die Werkself to the brink and would have deserved to win the trophy.
What are the takeaways from the game, then? Leverkusen looks poised to continue their uncanny ability to carve out results despite facing adversity. Stuttgart, too, was brilliant despite losing major pieces. In fact, Die Schwaben might be better than many anticipated just a few weeks ago.
