New Delhi: Bayer Leverkusen pulled off a stunning comeback to book their place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, edging past 1. FC Köln 3-2 after extra-time at the BayArena. Patrick Schick’s dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time forced an additional 30 minutes, where Victor Boniface struck the decisive goal.
Leverkusen started well, controlling possession, and almost went ahead when Alejandro Grimaldo struck the crossbar in the 30th minute. Despite their dominance, they were stunned in first-half stoppage time as Köln’s Damion Downs finished a breakaway move to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Leverkusen fight back in dramatic fashion
ABEG. HE DEY SCORE GOALS….. OOOOOOOO🇳🇬
100′ | 3-2 | #B04KOE #DFBPokal @boniface_jrn pic.twitter.com/vvaUpsuEmZ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 5, 2025
Köln, who were aiming for their first DFB-Pokal semi-final in 23 years, extended their lead early in the second half when Linton Maina converted another counterattack, set up by Downs. Leverkusen, however, kept pushing, and Schick gave them hope in the 63rd minute, finishing under Marvin Schwäbe after a well-worked move.
As time ran out, Jeremie Frimpong delivered a perfect cross in the 97th minute, allowing Schick to rise highest and head in the equaliser. The dramatic goal sent the BayArena into a frenzy and forced extra-time, where Leverkusen had all the momentum.
Victor Boniface, who came on earlier, made the difference in the 98th minute. Positioned well inside the box, he guided Grimaldo’s cross past Schwäbe to put the hosts ahead for the first time. Köln thought they had levelled in the 110th minute, but Imad Rondić’s goal was ruled offside after a VAR check.
Xabi Alonso’s side held firm in the final minutes to secure victory, continuing their incredible unbeaten run. The Spaniard also became the third manager this century to win his first 10 DFB-Pokal matches, joining Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola.
Schick’s double took his season tally to 20 goals, making him only the fourth Leverkusen player to achieve the feat multiple times. With this win, Bayer Leverkusen remain strong contenders for silverware, while Köln’s brave effort fell just short.
Bayer Leverkusen staged a thrilling comeback to beat 1. FC Koln 3-2 after extra-time, with Patrick Schick’s stoppage-time equaliser and Victor Boniface’s winner securing a DFB-Pokal semi-final spot. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
