Xabi Alonso’s coaching journey with Bayer Leverkusen has reached unprecedented heights as his team secured the German Super Cup in a thrilling match that showcased their resilience and determination.
This latest victory, which was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout against a strong Stuttgart side, marked Alonso’s third trophy in just 13 months at the helm of Leverkusen, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young managers in European football. With this win, Leverkusen now boasts five titles in their entire history, a significant achievement for the club.
The match saw Victor Boniface give Leverkusen an early lead, but the team faced an uphill battle after Martin Terrier received a red card in the 37th minute, leaving them to play the majority of the match with just 10 men. Stuttgart took advantage of their numerical superiority, turning the game around to lead 2-1. However, Leverkusen’s determination shone through as Patrik Schick scored a crucial late equalizer, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Leverkusen kept their nerve and emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in the shootout.
This latest triumph adds to the impressive list of accomplishments under Alonso’s management, including winning the DFB-Pokal and leading Leverkusen to a dominant Bundesliga title, where they ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance in the league. With these three trophies, Alonso has been instrumental in securing more than half of Leverkusen’s all-time silverware, a remarkable feat in such a short period.
Additionally, Leverkusen’s win extends their remarkable unbeaten streak in German football to 53 games, a run that dates back to May 2023, underlining their consistency and strength in domestic competitions. The only blemish on an otherwise stellar season was their Europa League final defeat to Atalanta, but even that has done little to dampen the optimism around Alonso’s project.
Reflecting on the Super Cup victory, Alonso praised his team’s character and spirit, stating: “What we did at the end of the game with 10 players and scoring the late equalizer showed our big spirit. I’m really happy that we have started the season like this.”
Despite being linked with some of the top managerial positions across Europe, including the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Alonso has shown a commitment to continue his journey with Leverkusen, a decision that has been met with enthusiasm by the club’s supporters who are eager to see what more can be achieved under his guidance.