Xabi Alonso and Lukas Hradecky react to Bayer Leverkusen’s DFL Super Cup against VfB Stuttgart

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·18 August 2024

Xabi Alonso and Lukas Hradecky react to Bayer Leverkusen’s DFL Super Cup against VfB Stuttgart

Speaking to the media after Bayer Leverkusen’s penalty shootout win against VfB Stuttgart to win the DFL Super Cup, head coach Xabi Alonso and captain Lukas Hradecky reacted to the triumph.

On the game, Alonso said:

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“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 former midfielder also praised Leverkusen’s opponents:

“I really like how Stuttgart play, with high pressure and pressing. We’re looking forward to our encounters in the league.”

Club captain Hradecky, who saved Frans Krätzig’s penalty in the shootout also gave his throughs on the game:

“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.”

The game against Stuttgart was a humbling experience for Leverkusen as for the majority of the game they were second-best. Die Werkself took the lead early on through Victor Boniface but Stuttgart offered an immediate reply from Enzo Millot. Stuttgart would then continue to have great chances to take the lead in the first half but hit the woodwork several times.

In the second half, they would then take the lead when Deniz Undav scored with his first touch. However, despite this being a new season, it was the same old Leverkusen as in the 88th minute Patrik Schick equalised to take the game to penalties.

During the shootout, Krätzig’s penalty was saved by Hradecky before Silas’ attempt missed the goal to give Leverkusen their maiden Super Cup win.

Next weekend, Leverkusen will open their Bundesliga season with a trip to Borussia Park to face Borussia Mönchengladbach while Stuttgart travels to Freiburg.

GGFN | Jack Meenan