Bayer Leverkusen's late heroics seal DFB-Pokal semi-final spot

The match at the BayArena saw Leverkusen take the initiative early on. In the 18th minute, Florian Wirtz delivered an inviting ball into the box, but Alejandro Grimaldo couldn't connect.

Grimaldo came close again in the 30th minute, striking the crossbar and leaving Koln's goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe helplessly beaten.

Despite Leverkusen's early dominance, Koln stunned the home crowd when Damion Downs scored from a breakaway in stoppage time of the first half, giving the visitors a surprising lead.

The second half continued with Leverkusen in control of the ball, boasting over 75% possession. However, it was Koln who struck again in the 54th minute when Linton Maina capitalized on a swift counter-attack set up by Downs, doubling their lead.

The momentum shifted when Patrick Schick pulled one back for Leverkusen in the 63rd minute with a composed finish through Schwabe's legs, reigniting hope among the home fans.

The drama peaked in the 97th minute when Schick scored an equalizer with a header from a corner, sending the game into extra time.

In extra time, Victor Boniface, who had come on as a substitute, found the net in the 98th minute, converting a precise cross from Grimaldo to give Leverkusen a 3-2 lead.

Despite a late scare when Koln's new signing Imad Rondic thought he had leveled the score in the 110th minute, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for offside.

Leverkusen managed to hold on for the remaining minutes, clinching a 3-2 victory and a spot in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. This match was a testament to Leverkusen's resilience and tactical acumen, while Koln's spirited performance highlighted their potential despite the defeat.

Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen's coach, after the game, said, "It was a tough match, but the team showed great character. Schick and Boniface were crucial in our comeback."

Steffen Baumgart, Koln's coach, reflected, "We played with heart and nearly pulled off an upset. It's a lesson for us, but we're proud of the fight we showed."

This victory propels Leverkusen into the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their quest for silverware in what has been an intense and unpredictable tournament.