Werkself Supercup review: New season, same morale!

Summary: A thrilling start to season

The first competitive fixture of the new season needed no time at all to burst into life, with Bayer 04 making the better start when Aleix Garcia’s cross in the 11th minute found Edmond Tapsoba at the far post. His header down then presented a tap-in on the line for Victor Boniface. However, Stuttgart provided an immediate reaction when Enzo Millot levelled only four minutes later. The game was then in the balance when debutant Martin Terrier was shown a red card for a challenge on Ermedin Demirovic shortly before half-time. VfB came close to taking the lead before the break when Millot struck the frame of the goal. Defensive discipline from Leverkusen in the second half ensured things remained level until just after the hour mark, when substitute Deniz Undav put the visitors ahead moments after his introduction. Unperturbed by another setback, Xabi Alonso’s men battled their way back into the game and started creating more and more chances of their own. And with just two minutes of the 90 remaining, the 10 men got their reward as Patrik Schick slotted home to make it 2-2. Leverkusen were then flawless from the ensuing penalty shootout, with Lukas Hradecky doing his bit in goal by saving from Frans Krätzig before Silas fired the decisive spot-kick over the bar to earn Bayer 04 their first Supercup title and third trophy of 2024. You can read more about the game in our match report.

Reaction: “Team is incredibly courageous”

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Alonso said: “Playing like that with 10 men in the final 15 minutes against Stuttgart and getting the equaliser… That was incredible. We showed great spirit. The crowd pushed us. Anything can then happen in a penalty shootout.” The Spaniard also had praise for the opposition: “I really like how Stuttgart play, with high pressure and pressing. We’re looking forward to our encounters in the league.”

Managing director for sport Simon Rolfes also said in the mixed zone: “The team is incredibly courageous and played with great desire. We really wanted this title and wanted to immediately spark the enthusiasm and passion here in the stadium. This game had it all.”

Captain Hradecky added: “It was nice to see we haven’t lost our comeback qualities, left them on the beach or somewhere. We’ve got the hunger to win more titles. This desire to win makes us strong. You only get the chance to win the Supercup when you’ve previously won a title. That’s why it’s very tough to win the Supercup. I personally had never played a Supercup. Winning it now is very nice.”

Press review: “Captivating”, “highly dramatic” and “tongues wagging”

The headline in kicker read: “Leverkusen can still do comebacks”. Bild spoke of a “highly dramatic” game and added: “Stuttgart came close to beating unbeatable Leverkusen three times last season in the league and cup, but they couldn’t get revenge this time either”. The Rheinische Post also talked about a “captivating and at times spectacular game”, saying in summary: “There was a fixture in Germany last season that excited fans of both teams and neutrals in equal measure. They were always clashes of the highest footballing and tactical level, games to set tongues wagging. The latest edition in the Supercup also delivered what history had promised.”

Personnel: Hradecky on the spot again

Last weekend’s final friendly match against Real Betis appears to have been the perfect preparation for Hradecky, having saved three out of three spot-kicks in the penalty shootout that day. He proved decisive again in the Supercup, using an unusual tactic of positioning himself to the right of centre in his goal. It all paid off as the Finnish goalkeeper denied Krätzig to get his hands on a third trophy in as many months.

Stats: Winning challenges

Stuttgart finished the game with 66 percent possession, but Bayer 04 won 52.2 percent of challenges. The hosts’ pass completion came in at 81.6 percent compared to 90.7 percent for VfB.

Outlook: Bundesliga opener in Gladbach, home debut against Leipzig

The Werkself will officially kick off the new Bundesliga season as defending champions away at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday, 23 August (8.30pm CEST). The first home league fixture of the campaign comes the following Saturday against RB Leipzig (6.30pm).