Bayer Leverkusen produced an incredible turnaround against FC Köln to book their place in the DFB Cup semi-finals.
The defending champions came back from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 victory in extra time.
Patrik Schick was the hero, scoring twice, including a stoppage-time equalizer, before Victor Boniface sealed the win.
FC Köln Stun Leverkusen Early
Leverkusen, last season’s domestic double winners, dominated early possession but failed to convert chances. The first real scare came when Damion Downs sent a shot wide in the 15th minute.
The hosts responded with intense pressure, but luck was not on their side. Schick misfired from close range, and Alejandro Grimaldo struck the crossbar with a stunning free-kick.
Despite being under pressure, FC Köln made the most of a rare attack in first-half stoppage time.
Dejan Ljubičić pounced on a loose clearance and set up Downs, who smashed a shot past Matěj Kovář.
The underdogs led 1-0 at halftime, shocking the BayArena crowd.
Maina Doubles the Lead, Schick Strikes Back
Leverkusen came out strong in the second half, eager to respond. Schick missed a big chance before Marvin Schwäbe made a brilliant save to deny Jeremie Frimpong.
However, FC Köln struck again with a lightning-fast counterattack. Downs turned provider, setting up Linton Maina, who buried the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute.
Leverkusen needed a response, and it came from Schick. Florian Wirtz created space with a dazzling run before feeding the Czech striker, who coolly slotted the ball through Schwäbe’s legs to halve the deficit. The comeback was on.
Schick Saves Leverkusen at the Death
The Bundesliga giants pushed for an equalizer, bombarding FC Köln’s goal. Schwäbe pulled off stunning saves to deny Nathan Tella and Jonathan Tah. At the other end, Timo Hübers nearly put the game beyond doubt, but his header went straight to Kovář.
Just when it seemed FC Köln would pull off a famous upset, Schick struck again. In the sixth minute of added time, Frimpong whipped in a perfect cross, and Schick powered a header into the net. The stadium erupted as Leverkusen forced extra time.
Boniface Completes the Comeback
Leverkusen had all the momentum in extra time, and they did not waste it. Just eight minutes in, substitute Victor Boniface sealed the win. Grimaldo delivered a low cross, and Boniface was there to poke it home, sending the defending champions into the semi-finals.
FC Köln thought they had equalized in the 112th minute when Imad Rondic scored, but VAR ruled him offside. Leverkusen held on, keeping their dream of retaining the DFB Cup alive.
Key Match Stats
- Leverkusen are now unbeaten in 10 DFB Cup games under Xabi Alonso.
- Schick has scored 20 goals this season, four in the DFB Cup.
- Downs’ opening goal came from just his eighth touch of the game.
- Leverkusen had not conceded in their last five DFB Cup matches before this game.
What’s Next?
Leverkusen join VfB Stuttgart in the semi-finals, while RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, and Arminia Bielefeld battle for the last two spots. The road to the final is heating up!
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