February 06, (THEWILL) – Victor Boniface emerged as the hero for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring the decisive goal in extra time as the defending champions completed a stunning 3-2 comeback victory against FC Koln in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals. The Nigerian striker’s clinical finish at the BayArena kept his team’s hopes alive for consecutive cup victories, a feat they have never achieved in their history.
The match began with early disruption due to pyrotechnics from the home supporters, but it was FC Koln who struck first through Damion Downs in first-half stoppage time. Linton Maina doubled the visitors’ advantage after the break with an impressive individual effort, placing Gerhard Struber’s team in a commanding position.
The momentum shifted when Patrik Schick reduced the deficit on the hour mark, following an assist from Florian Wirtz. The Czech striker then equalised in stoppage time with a well-placed header from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross. The dramatic turnaround was completed in extra time when substitute Boniface converted Alejandro Grimaldo’s pass to send the home supporters into celebration.
FC Koln, currently leading the 2. Bundesliga, thought they had found another equaliser through Imad Rondic, but their celebrations were cut short by VAR intervention. The decision proved decisive, allowing Xabi Alonso’s team to maintain their defence of the trophy they claimed last season.
The result extends Leverkusen’s impressive run in domestic competitions this season, while ending FC Koln’s best cup performance since 2010. The visitors, despite their strong showing, will now focus their attention on their promotion campaign as they aim to return to the Bundesliga.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
