Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Koln: Alonso´s side scrape into semi-finals after stunning turnaround

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

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 leaders were seeking their first semi-final appearance in 23 years, and doubled their 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 hosts completed the turnaround in the 98th minute and, ultimately, snatched victory in the tie, as Boniface volleyed in from Grimaldo’s delivery.

20 – Patrik Schick scored his 20th competitive goal for Bayer 04 Leverkusen this season. Only four players in B04 history have scored at least 20 goals in multiple seasons: Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kiessling, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrik Schick (2021-22 & 2024-25). #Levels pic.twitter.com/yJztaihsJT

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) February 5, 2025

Data Debrief: Alonso matches Van Gaal and Guardiola

Alonso became only the third manager of this millennium to win each of his first 10 matches in the DFB-Pokal, after Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard has also overseen 10 successive home victories for Leverkusen across all competitions.

With his brace, Schick took his goal tally for the season to 20 in all competitions.

The Czechia international is only the fourth Leverkusen player to score at least 20 times in multiple campaigns after Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kiessling and Dimitar Berbatov.