Bayer Leverkusen produced a dramatic change to book their place in the semi-final of DFB-Pokal, because they came from behind to deny Koln 3-2.
Xabi Alonso's side recovered from 2-0 with Patrik Schick's last-gasp equalizer who forced extra time, where Victor Boniface decided the draw in Bayarena.
Despite seeing Alejandro Grimaldos Free kicks the crossbar bar, DFB-Pokal-Holders Leverkusen hit the back of the first half of the stop time through Damion Downs.
The 2. Bundesliga leaders were looking for their first semifinal performance in 23 years and doubled their advantage within nine minutes after the restart when Linton Maina ended a fast counter.
Schick halved the shortage just after the hour, when, six minutes after the stopping time, home Jeremie Frimpong's Deep Cross nodded to send the draw to extra time.
With the entire momentum, the hosts completed the turnaround in the 98th minute and finally took the victory in the draw, while Boniface entered the birth of Grimaldo.
20 – Patrik Schick scored his 20th competitive goal for Bayer 04 Leverkusen this season. Only four players in the B04 history have scored at least 20 goals in several seasons: Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kiesling, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrik Schick (2021-22 & 2024-25). #Levels pic.twitter.com/yjztaihsjt
– Optafranz (@Optafranz) February 5, 2025
Data Debrief: Alonso corresponds to Van Gaal and Guardiola
Alonso became only the third manager of this millennium to win each of his first 10 games in the DFB Pokal, after Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard has also supervised 10 consecutive home victories for Leverkusen in all competitions.
With his brace, Schick took his goal for the season to 20 in all competitions.
The Czech Republic -International is only the fourth Leverkusen player who scores at least 20 times in several campaigns after Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kiesling and Dimitar Berbatov.
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