Bayer Leverkusen staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Koln, keeping their DFB-Pokal title defense alive after being 2-0 down.
Patrik Schick’s last-gasp equalizer forced extra time, where Victor Boniface completed the turnaround with a crucial goal in the 98th minute.
đź“ť Match Recap
🔹 Koln Shock Leverkusen Early
Leverkusen dominated possession but struggled to break through Koln’s defensive setup. Alejandro Grimaldo came closest, rattling the crossbar with a powerful free kick in the first half.
However, Koln struck first in stoppage time, as Damion Downs found the net to give the underdogs a 1-0 lead at the break.
The 2. Bundesliga leaders then doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, with Linton Maina rounding off a swift counterattack to make it 2-0.
🔹 Schick Sparks a Dramatic Fightback
With Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal run in serious jeopardy, Patrik Schick stepped up. He halved the deficit in the 62nd minute, giving Alonso’s side hope.
Just when it seemed Koln would hold on, Jeremie Frimpong delivered a deep cross in the 96th minute, which Schick nodded home to force extra time.
🔹 Boniface Completes the Turnaround
Leverkusen carried all the momentum into extra time, and in the 98th minute, Victor Boniface volleyed in Grimaldo’s delivery, sealing an unbelievable comeback for the hosts.
đź“Š Key Stats & Data Debrief
🔹 Alonso Joins Elite Company
- Xabi Alonso became only the third manager this century to win his first 10 matches in the DFB-Pokal, joining Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola.
- Leverkusen have now won 10 consecutive home matches in all competitions under Alonso.
🔹 Schick’s Scoring Prowess
- Patrik Schick’s brace took his goal tally to 20 this season, becoming only the fourth Leverkusen player to hit 20+ goals in multiple seasons, after:
âś… Ulf Kirsten
âś… Stefan Kiessling
âś… Dimitar Berbatov
🔹 Koln’s Semi-Final Wait Continues
- Koln were seeking their first DFB-Pokal semi-final in 23 years, but their dream was crushed in extra time.
🏆 What’s Next?
Leverkusen now turn their focus back to the Bundesliga title race before preparing for the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. With Schick and Boniface in top form, Alonso’s side remain strong contenders for silverware this season.
🔥 Can Leverkusen go all the way in the DFB-Pokal again? Let us know your thoughts! 👇
