Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable turnaround to secure their spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, as they overturned a deficit to defeat Koln 3-2.
The team managed by Xabi Alonso bounced back from being 2-0 down, with Patrik Schick scoring a last-minute equaliser to force extra time, where Victor Boniface ultimately sealed the victory at BayArena. Although Alejandro Grimaldo’s free-kick hit the crossbar, Leverkusen, who are the defending champions of the DFB-Pokal, conceded a goal just before half-time from Damion Downs.
The leaders of the 2. Bundesliga were looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 23 years, and they extended their lead within nine minutes of the second half, with Linton Maina finishing off a swift counter-attack. Schick reduced the deficit just after the one-hour mark and then, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, he headed in a deep cross from Jeremie Frimpong to take the game into extra time. With the momentum on their side, the home team completed the comeback in the 98th minute, with Boniface scoring a volley from Grimaldo’s delivery to clinch the victory.
