The trophy cabinet now also knows the Supercup - We can still make a comeback

The new season begins for Bayer 04 Leverkusen just as the old one ended - with a title! In a nerve-wracking Supercup final against VfB Stuttgart, the Werkself ultimately prevailed in a penalty shoot-out after an intense duel. For all those who still have their fingernails: Congratulations! Because the first competitive match of the 2024/25 season was a tough one.

Bayer started the game with a lot of energy and Victor Boniface put the Werkself ahead in the 11th minute. After a neatly taken corner, the ball landed with Edmond Tapsoba, whose header Victor Boniface only had to push over the line. But before the fans could celebrate taking the lead, Stuttgart struck back just four minutes later. Enzo Millot took advantage of a lapse of concentration in the Leverkusen defense and equalized with a low shot.

The game then really picked up pace. This was followed by a momentous scene that would complicate the match for the Werkself: Martin Terrier was shown the red card after a hard tackle on Demirovic and Bayer were outnumbered from then on. Stuttgart, who were already playing under pressure, gained the upper hand thanks to their superior numbers and deservedly scored in the second half through Deniz Undav to make it 2:1. For a moment, it looked as if the Swabians would win the Supercup title.

But Bayer 04 wouldn't be Bayer 04 if they didn't have another arrow in their quiver. Despite being outnumbered, Xabi Alonso's team showed impressive morale. In the final minutes of normal time, Patrik Schick scored a typical last-minute goal to provide the redemptive equalizer. A perfect pass from Grimaldo, a quick turn from Schick and the ball was in the net.

In the penalty shoot-out that followed, Leverkusen showed all their coolness. While all the Werkself shooters converted safely, Lukas Hradecky kept his nerve in goal and saved one of Stuttgart's attempts. When Silas then shot the last penalty well over the goal, the Supercup victory was perfect. It was the first Super Cup title in Bayer 04 Leverkusen's history - and when you consider that it used to be Bayern who won such titles, it feels twice as good.

After this successful start, the focus now turns to the Bundesliga opener. Borussia Mönchengladbach await next Friday, and the Werkself will go into this match with a broad chest. Because one thing is certain: this team has comeback qualities that will certainly provide some exciting moments in the league. Morale is high and nerves are strong.