Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen lifted their third trophy under his leadership last night. The Bundesliga and DFB Pokal winners claimed the DFL Super Cup in their first competitive match of the new season on penalties against Stuttgart.
It once again seemed like Leverkusen were down and out till the end. But, the team struck in the last minute once again, with Patrik Schick making it 2-2 and sending the two sides to penalties.
Bayer Leverkusen win fifth trophy in their history with DFL Super Cup
Before Xabi Alonso came to Bayer Leverkusen, they had not won a trophy since 1993 😳
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2024
He's just led them to their THIRD trophy in the last five months 👏
Bundesliga 🏆
DFB-Pokal 🏆
DFL-Supercup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Hb36uq3g0t
Once ridiculed as Neverkusen, Xabi Alonso’s club embarked on an undefeated run in domestic competition in 23-24. They could have won every single game in the season too, but fell short in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta.
Regardless, Leverkusen remain a top team and strong contenders to win the Bundesliga yet again. One of their most incredible traits is their mentality, and the ability to fight back extremely late in games.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder has learned from the best managers in the game and is now showing why he is among the best new head coaches in the sport.
Who was sent off for Leverkusen?
Martin Terrier