Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured a spot in the DFB-Pokal semifinals with a 3-2 win over 1. FC Köln in the quarterfinals, thanks to a late goal in extra time.
The match got off to a delayed start due to nine minutes of pyrotechnic smoke on the field from the Köln supporters. Once the game began, Leverkusen took the initiative, but Köln’s defense was disciplined and held strong.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, when a set piece created the first major opportunity for Leverkusen. Grimaldo’s direct free kick from 20 meters hit the crossbar. In the 34th minute, the Spaniard had another chance, but his shot with his weaker right foot went wide of the near post.
The match took a surprising turn in the 88th minute, as Köln took the lead. Ljubicic’s through ball found Downs, who beat Mukiele and scored in the bottom left corner. Going into the second half, the underdog was in the lead.
Leverkusen increased the pressure in the second half, but Köln continued to counter effectively and in the 54th minute, they scored again. This time, Maina’s run was finished by Mukiele’s shot in the bottom left corner.
However, Leverkusen responded with a goal of their own in the 61st minute, when Wirtz’s pass found Schick, who scored with a powerful shot in the guest goalkeeper’s net, reducing the deficit.
Köln continued to defend stubbornly and Leverkusen struggled to create clear-cut chances. In the 114th minute, the match went to extra time, with Leverkusen pushing hard for the winner.
In the 119th minute, Leverkusen’s pressure finally paid off, as a cross from Grimaldo found Boniface, who scored the winner from close range. The remaining minutes of extra time saw Leverkusen dominate, with Köln looking exhausted. In the end, the underdog was defeated, but not before giving a good account of themselves.