Bayer Leverkusen Stages Stunning Comeback To Defeat Koln 3-2 In DFB-Pokal Semi-Finals

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Bayer Leverkusen staged a remarkable comeback to secure a spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, overcoming Koln with a 3-2 victory. Xabi Alonso's team rallied from a 2-0 deficit, with Patrik Schick's late equaliser pushing the match into extra time. Victor Boniface then clinched the win at BayArena.

Despite Alejandro Grimaldo's free-kick hitting the crossbar, Leverkusen fell behind when Damion Downs scored in first-half stoppage time. Koln, leading the 2. Bundesliga, aimed for their first semi-final in 23 years and extended their lead nine minutes after the break through Linton Maina's counterattack goal.

Schick reduced the deficit just past the hour mark and later headed Jeremie Frimpong's cross home six minutes into stoppage time, forcing extra time. With momentum on their side, Leverkusen completed their comeback in the 98th minute as Boniface volleyed in Grimaldo's cross to seal victory.

Xabi Alonso has become only the third manager since 2000 to win his first ten DFB-Pokal matches, joining Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola. Additionally, Alonso has led Leverkusen to ten consecutive home wins across all competitions.

With his two goals against Koln, Schick reached a milestone of 20 goals this season across all competitions. The Czechia international joins an elite group of Leverkusen players who have achieved this feat in multiple seasons, including Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kiessling, and Dimitar Berbatov.