Bayer Leverkusen Stages Dramatic Comeback to Beat Cologne 3-2 in German Cup
Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen showcased their resilience by coming from two goals down to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over second-division side Cologne in the German Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening.
The match, held at BayArena, started with Leverkusen dominating possession, yet it was Cologne who struck first seemingly against the run of play. On the stroke of half-time, Damion Downs capitalized on Leverkusen's defensive lapse to net the opening goal, sending the home fans stunned just before the break. This marked Downs' first DFB Cup goal, and it came on what could be considered his eighth touch of the game.
The second half saw Cologne double their lead just nine minutes after the break, with Linton Maina scoring following another swift counter-attack initiated by Downs. At this point, Leverkusen seemed to be facing their first defeat since July 2022, staring down the barrel of elimination from the cup.
Yet, the reigning league and cup holders were not to be underestimated. Florian Wirtz provided the assist for Patrik Schick, who nutmegged the Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe to pull one back for Leverkusen. This marked Schick's 19th goal of the season, highlighting his importance to the squad.
Just when it seemed the clock would run out on Leverkusen's hopes, Schick rose to meet Jeremie Frimpong's cross with the final gasp of the match, scoring deep in stoppage time to level the scores at 2-2 and send the game to extra-time. This dramatic equalizer was Schick's second goal of the night, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure.
With added time underway, Leverkusen maintained their momentum. Victor Boniface, who recently turned down a move to Saudi Arabia, was well-placed to volley home from Álex Grimaldo's precise cross just three minutes later, placing the hosts 3-2 up.
Cologne appeared to have equalized yet again during the second half of extra-time when Imad Rondic found the net, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal offside, much to the dismay of the visiting fans.
The triumph means Leverkusen, who previously eliminated Bayern Munich from the competition, join VfB Stuttgart, who beat Augsburg, in the semi-finals. They now have their eyes set on repeating last season’s success.
This match epitomized the spirit of the cup with its highs and lows, evident both on the pitch and from the enthusiastic fans illuminated with flares at BayArena. The rallying cry of Leverkusen fans filled the venue as the team showcased their capacity to overcome adversity, leaving the faithful with hopeful aspirations of retaining their title.
"This comeback shows our character as we never give up," Schick remarked after the match, celebrating the team's thrilling victory. Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen's head coach, is now unbeaten in ten DFB Cup games as he looks to guide his side toward another cup trophy.