Bayer Leverkusen scrapes into Pokal semi-finals

  • Bayer Leverkusen produced a dramatic turnaround to book a place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, as it came from behind to deny Koln 3-2.

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Xabi Alonso's side recovered from 2-0 down with Patrik Schick's last-gasp equaliser forcing extra-time, where Victor Boniface decided the tie at BayArena.

Despite seeing Alejandro Grimaldo's free-kick rattle the crossbar, DFB-Pokal holders Leverkusen fell behind in first-half stoppage time through Damion Downs.

The 2. Bundesliga leader was seeking its first semi-final appearance in 23 years, and doubled its advantage within nine minutes of the restart as Linton Maina rounded off a swift counter.

Schick halved the deficit just after the hour mark then, six minutes into stoppage time, nodded home Jeremie Frimpong's deep cross to send the tie into extra-time.

With all the momentum, the host completed the turnaround in the 98th minute and, ultimately, snatched victory in the tie, as Boniface volleyed in from Grimaldo's delivery.

Victor Okoh Boniface
Victor Okoh Boniface
Bayer 04 Leverkusen