Leverkusen Stages Dramatic Comeback to Overcome Köln in German Cup Quarter-Finals

The current titleholders, Bayer Leverkusen, staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to secure their spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, edging past FC Koln with a 3-2 victory at the BayArena. Die Werkself are now on the brink of achieving back-to-back cup successes for the very first time in their history.

Fresh from their narrow win over Bayern Munich in the last round, Leverkusen’s Nordkurve ignited the atmosphere with flares lighting up the BayArena, creating a dramatic smoky backdrop that necessitated an early interruption to the match.

However, it was Koln who found their rhythm first, marking their furthest cup journey since they bowed out at this stage in 2010. Ironically, the last occasion they progressed past this point, it was Leverkusen who ended their cup hopes after extra time in the 2001/02 season.

Alejandro Grimaldo almost broke the deadlock on two occasions, first striking the crossbar with a spectacular free-kick before just missing the right post from a close effort.

As the half drew to a close, Leverkusen ramped up their pressure, but it was Struber’s men who struck first, taking the lead in the dying moments of stoppage time.

Taking advantage of a defensive blunder, Damion Downs scored with a powerful shot from a tight angle, sending shockwaves through the home crowd against the run of play.

Die Werkself nearly equalised right after the break when Florian Wirtz sliced his rebound wide of the left post following a sharp one-handed save from Marvin Schwabe after Jeremie Frimpong had tested the keeper.

But their missed chances proved costly as Linton Maina embarked on a brilliant solo run, firing a low shot into the far corner, extending Koln’s lead.

However, the hosts were quick to respond, reducing Koln’s lead shortly after the hour mark. Patrik Schick displayed remarkable calmness inside the box, sending a precise low shot from a tight angle into the right corner, benefiting from a well-placed pass from Wirtz.

Xabi Alonso then made a tactical adjustment by introducing centre-forward Victor Boniface, pairing him with Schick in an unusual 4-4-2 formation. This change proved fruitful, as Schick netted his second goal in stoppage time, deftly heading Frimpong’s cross into the far corner.

Riding the momentum, Boniface rewarded Alonso’s faith in him early in extra time, turning the game on its head with a slick finish after connecting with Grimaldo’s lofted pass.

Despite this, the visitors remained undeterred, with Imad Rondic quickly finding the net after a close-range pass from Steffen Tigges.

Yet, VAR intervened, disallowing the goal, allowing Leverkusen’s extra-time winner from Boniface to salvage the match and avoid calamity in front of their supporters.

This thrilling comeback strengthens their bid to secure consecutive DFB Pokal titles for the first time ever.

While the leaders of 2. Bundesliga seem set for a swift return to the top tier, Struber will lament his side’s defensive lapses as their ambitions of achieving a rare double fade away.