Xabi Alonso’s side struck another late goal before winning a nervy penalty shoot out to continue their run of silverware in the last 12 months, lifting the DFL Supercup.
With last season’s second and third placed sides from Germany facing off, it was Leverkusen who took an early lead courtesy of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, who tapped the ball in at the back post after being set up by Edmond Tapsoba.
But their lead did not last long, with Stuttgart hitting back just four minutes later through young talent Enzo Millot. The 20-year-old, who featured in last week’s Olympic final for Thierry Henry’s side, fired a low effort from 12 yards out into the far right corner to level proceedings.
Leverkusen were reduced to 10 men just before the half time break though when Martin Terrier, making his debut for Alonso’s side, was sent off for a challenge that was both high and late and earnt him his marching orders.
It led to Boniface being sacrificed for defender Jonathan Tah and though the scores remained level at half time, Stuttgart were in the ascendency.
That continued after the interval, and Stuttgart finally went ahead just after the hour mark when record signing Denis Undav ghosted into the box to find the back of the net from a cross from Frans Kratzig the left, and leave his side with one hand on the trophy.
They could have gone further ahead only for Piero Hincapié to pull off a last-ditch block, while at the other end Patrick Schick saw an effort of his own saved by Alexander Nübel before Jeremie Frimpong fired the rebound wide.
It was a frayed end to proceedings with yellow cards galore for both sides, but it did nothing to dampen Leverkusen’s penchant for a late goal.
After being the kings of late winners last year, they grabbed an 89th minute equaliser courtesy of specialist substitute Patrick Schick, who fired low past Nübel to take the game to a penalty shoot out.
After four perfect penalties, Frans Krätzig saw his effort saved by Lukas Hradecky and hand Leverkusen the advantage.
And as Edmond Tapsoba netted their fourth, Silas put the decisive effort over the crossbar to crown Alonso’s side SuperCup champions.
