Unexpressed caution directed towards FC Bayern
Once more, Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart locked horns in their fourth intense confrontation within nine months. The Bayern squad would've been paying close attention. Despite Stuttgart scoring, they refrained from declaring war.
Fabian Wohlgemuth's expression showed his disbelief. As the VfB Stuttgart sports director, he stood in the mixed zone, watching a replay of Leverkusen's Supercup celebration on TV. A slight head shake. Leverkusen again. They've become something of a formidable enemy to Stuttgart in Wohlgemuth and Sebastian Hoeneß's era.
Twice in the league (1:1 and 2:2) and once in the DFB-Pokal (2:3), Stuttgart came close to knocking down the invincibles. Two times, a last-minute goal from Leverkusen shoved Stuttgart back to reality. And so it was on this stormy evening in Leverkusen, resulting in a thrilling 3:4 penalty shootout. Bayer 04 emerged victorious, dashing Stuttgart's hopes of claiming their first title since 2007.
"Two teams eager to make a statement"
"It's always heated in Leverkusen," said Wohlgemuth, reflecting on the intense game. The double champions and the runners-up continued where they left off last season, engaging in a captivating battle with wide-open approaches. "The game, as always here, was entertaining, with two teams that truly wanted to prove themselves," stated the VfB sports director. "Unfortunately, the outcome was unfavorable for us once again."
Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Stuttgart in the 11th minute, but they managed to stay calm. Within four minutes, Enzo Millot equalized from the edge of the box. Stuttgart consistently threatened Bayer's goal, hitting the post three times (Ermedin Demirovic, Millot, and Pascal Stenzel). However, it was in the second half that Stuttgart took charge. Almost instantly upon his introduction, substitution Frans Krätzig set up Deniz Undav on the left, who scored with his first touch (63rd minute).
Leverkusen's new signing, Martin Terrier, was sent off (37th minute), which significantly altered the game's dynamic. There were numerous skirmishes, arguments, and discussions - it seemed like the Supercup might boil over. Referee Tobias Stieler struggled to maintain control, showing the yellow card eleven times and the red card once, often having to intervene between captains. There were also several disagreements from the benches. Alonso and Boniface saw yellow, and the fans voiced their disapproval with loud boos.
Leverkusen vs Stuttgart has become something like the premier modern classic of the league. "After the three games here, there's always a heightened sense of tension in this rivalry," said Wohlgemuth about the tension between the champions and the runners-up.
Alonso unleashes the offensive forces
In the final stages, Xabi Alonso brought on Florian Wirtz, Patrik Schick, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Jeremie Frimpong, infusing Bayer with top-notch attacking power. It was a clear statement of intent to their team, the fans, and the opponents. Those who can make such substitutions are truly blessed. Stuttgart lost grip, and Bayer 04 demonstrated why they've been unbeaten at home since May 2023. Grimaldo and Wirtz caused havoc down the left flank, relentlessly pushing forward like moths drawn to a light. While down to ten men, their late offensive was rewarded with Florian Schick's equalizer, set up by Grimaldo (88'), bringing the 'Comeback Kids' back from their hiatus.
With Frimpong almost missing a sitter just before the end, the game went to penalties (extra time is not applicable in the Supercup, but it would have been quite a spectacle here). Leverkusen's shooters remained calm, while Bayern loanee Krätzig and Silas missed, leaving disappointed expressions on the Stuttgart fans.
Even match-winner Deniz Undav was still agitated after the game. "I'm not sure if we suddenly succumbed to the crowd's pressure and stopped playing football," he said in the mixed zone, bewildered by Stuttgart's late slump in performance. "I can't explain it. Those 'unnecessary mistakes' shouldn't happen against a team like Leverkusen, they'll punish you," he added.
"What truly irks me is when you're playing with an extra man and then concede a goal and suddenly stop playing football," Undav complained. After the red card, Stuttgart only played long balls. He criticized, saying, "If you've got three behemoths at the back like they did, you don't need to play long balls."
Not your typical 'funfair cup' - emotions ran high after the final whistle
The chaos didn't end after the final whistle. Groups formed everywhere, conversations were happening from every direction. You didn't know where to look first. Even Hoeneß and Wirtz were involved, with Mittelstädt needing to be escorted away by his teammates. The atmosphere was tense everywhere, in small heated spots. Far from a 'funfair cup', the arena was teeming with turmoil.
It's all part of the game, man. Emotions are a given, said Undav, cooled down following the match, when ntv.de asked about the altercations. "Leverkusen wanted to win just as much as we did. As long as you don't overstep the bounds, it's all cool," he stated. But then he added that maybe "some folks had a bit too much emotion going on" – both on and off the sideline. "It's fun to be a part of it. I hope we can beat Leverkusen next time," he said.
Despite the disappointment displayed by Wohlgemuth and Undav post-match, the team sent a declaration with their loss. Despite the absence of their top striker Serhou Guirassy, defensive leader Waldemar Anton, and left-back Hiroki Ito, and a few wobbles at the back, the team's offense bore a striking resemblance to the VfB/Hoeneß style from the 23/24 season, where they sensationally ended up in second place. This time around?
Clearly, Leverkusen is in the crosshairs. This was evident in the game itself. "This is a clear statement to the other teams," said captain and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. The victory was "a clear message that we want to fight our way back into it." The squad is likely even more potent than last year with midfield tactician Aleix Garcia, defender Jeanuël Belocian, and left winger Terrier. Bayer still possesses that last-minute punch.
Nonetheless, for many, FC Bayern remains the front-runner in the new Bundesliga season. The champions, who are reeling from lack of titles, are charging forward with a vengeance and a few new players, just as well as a new coach. RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are driven by renewed optimism. VfB Stuttgart, meanwhile, is somewhat like the wildcard, a X-factor possible. The destination of the trip is yet uncertain. With performances like in the Supercup, VfB has the potential to remain among the top five, even cause some trouble. The showdown for the first title of the season could provide both teams with an opportunity to pose a challenge to FC Bayern.
Undav: "Bayern is still Bayern"
Undav kept his challenge subtle this time. The performance in the Supercup "wasn't a warning shot at anyone," he reiterated to ntv.de. "Bayern is still Bayern." Priorities other than that are crucial: VfB must manage the double burden of the Champions League, must consider "how the body feels" with the torrent of midweek games approaching in the fall.
Undav's words: "We just want to have a low-key season and see where it takes us. The early weeks are important. We'll see where it goes." That sounds like Swabian understatement. That didn't necessarily have to describe the Supercup. "For German football, it's great to see such fantastic matches like this one," said Undav. "There was passion in it."
The fifth encounter in the heavyweight tussle between Stuttgart and Leverkusen (9th matchday) is set for November 2 or 3. Football fans should circled these dates thickly in their calendars. It's bound to be exciting.
In light of their recent performances against Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart's players might be keenly following the upcoming soccer matches between the two teams.
The intense rivalry between Leverkusen and Stuttgart continues to captivate fans, with each game promising thrilling encounters and fierce competition.
