Bayer Leverkusen continues to defend the Pokal! Koln put up a fierce fight, nearly eliminating them and flirting with a major upset deep into stoppage time. However, Xabi Alonso’s squad rose from the ashes like a phoenix—just as they did so many times last season—and ultimately justified their status as heavy favorites in extra time, winning 3:2.The Billy Goats have made life difficult for their local rivals in recent years, winning at the BayArena in both 2022 and 2023. But tonight’s victory would have been something special for them—after all, it would have come against the reigning champions and DFB-Pokal holders.BACKS AGAINST THE WALL FACING ELIMINATION, BAYER LEVERKUSEN TURN IT ALL AROUND IN SIMILAR FASHION AS LAST SEASON 😏 pic.twitter.com/tI78wdjaKQ— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 5, 2025 Until the 96th minute, the scoreboard read 1:2. It seemed like Alonso had run out of options, that his players had no idea how to break through, and that time was slipping away. But then, out of nowhere, Patrik Schick appeared. Meeting Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in the way he knows best, he sent a header into the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe—unstoppable for 2:2 and a ticket to extra time.BAYER NEVERLUSEN!!!! THEY TIE IT IN THE 96TH MINUTE!! UNREAL SCENES COMING OUT OF LEVERKUSEN!! THEY HAVE LIFE!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8gxCJFx6xo— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 5, 2025 When the Czech striker scored in the 61st minute, halving Koln’s significant lead, there was no doubt about who the hero was. However, right alongside Schick in the 98th minute stood his competition for the striker position—Viktor Boniface.Once again, it was a beautiful cross from the flank—this time from the other side, courtesy of Alex Grimaldo. The Nigerian managed to slip past his defender and, from close range, sent the ball into the net for the final 3:2 score.Victor Boniface winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the extra time. 98’ ⚽️— Back to back goals from injury 🔥🇳🇬#AfroBallers #Boniface pic.twitter.com/P63yk0YoX5— AfroBallers (@afroballers) February 5, 2025 As expected, the visitors completely collapsed psychologically toward the end of regular time. Nothing was really expected from them in extra time, but one defensive lapse from Bayer almost allowed Koln to force a penalty shootout.It was the 112th minute when substitute Imad Rondic found the back of Matej Kovar’s net, but it turned out he was in a minimal offside position.❌ ¡Gol anulado al Colonia por fuera de juego!🔴⚫️ BAY 3-2 KOL ⚪️🔴#CopaAlemanaEnGol pic.twitter.com/5htXOzsBT6— GOL PLAY (@Gol) February 5, 2025 The referees on the field didn’t spot it, but after a VAR review, it became clear.After this match, the current German champions face two tough challenges. First, they will visit Wolfsburg, and then, they will host their main title rival, Bayern Munich.DFB POKAL – GERMAN CUPQuarter-finalsTuesdayStuttgart – Augsburg 1-0 (1-0)/Undav 30/WednesdayLeverkusen – Koln 3-2 a.e.t (2-2)/Schick 61, 90+6, Boniface 98 – Downs 45+10, Maina 54/
