Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was happy with the reaction that showed his side after they won a dramatic quarterfinals of DFB-Pokal against second-class Cologne.
The Alonso team was 2-1 behind the last seconds of the game, when Patrik Schick's equalizer brought the draw to extra time, with Victor Boniface taking the goal that won his side of the match 3-2.
Schick's Brace took him to 20 goals for the season and only became the fourth Leverkusen player who hit that brand in several campaigns after Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kagenling and Dimitar Berbatov.
After having eliminated Bayern Munich in the round of 16 before Christmas, the current holders have every chance to keep their trophy in May, with Stuttgart between them and a place in the final.
Alonso said: “I am satisfied that I have reached the semi -final.
“It was a very tough match against a very good opponent. But we showed a good reaction.
“It might not have been our best game, but we played with a big heart. We fought until the last minute to reach this phase.”
Admin revolves around changing all “we exit the cup” full -time graphics such as … pic.twitter.com/9hya24p5bp
– Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@Bayer04_en) 5 February 2025
Alonso has only become the third manager since the turn of the Millennium to win each of his first 10 games in the DFB Pokal, after Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola.
The highly appreciated coach has also won 10 straight home competitions in all competitions with Leverkusen, who also fight to preserve the Bundesliga and are in the last 16 of the Champions League.
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