DFB Cup: Bayer Leverkusen trembles against 1. FC Köln into the semi -finals

Bayer Leverkusen has fought the 1st FC Köln in a rousing cup thriller and fought into the semi-finals with comeback qualities. In the Rhenish duel with the passionate second division leader, the previous year’s winner in the quarterfinals of the DFB Cup after a 0-2 deficit prevailed 3: 2 (0: 1, 2: 2) after extra time and may continue from three titles in dream of this season.

Damion Downs (45.+10) and Linton Maina (54th) initially ensured the first goals of the workself in the previous competition-and gave FC supporters hope for the first semi-finals for 23 years. However, the team of coach Xabi Alonso kept calm and used the oppressive superiority late: Patrik Schick (61./90.+6) saved the Leverkusener into the extension, where substitute Victor Boniface (98th) met to victory. The substitute Cologne access Imad Rondic made his debut to the supposed 3: 3 (111.), but was just offside.

After the game was interrupted for almost ten minutes due to the pyrora dose from the Cologne block in the initial phase, it was the FC that exuded danger for the first time through Downs (15th). In a game with intensive duels, Bayer took control as expected, but struggled. The Leverkuseners, who had won in the round in Munich (1-0), needed a free kick from Alejandro Grimaldo (30th) to get to the first degree. Only shortly after his crossbar, the Spaniard had the lead again on his foot, the ball slipped just over (34th).

Only deep in added time compensates for chic with a head

Otherwise, little risk jumped out of the plus of the possession of the ball. In their first cup quarter-finals, the Cologne team passionately held against it, but acted too inaccurate aggressively-until Downs used one of the few counterattacks and provided ecstasy in the Cologne block. Leverkusen opened the second round with anger in the stomach and a double chance: Jeremie Frimpong failed on FC goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe, Wirtz missed just in the following (51st). Bayer was punished for the negligence when Maina used the next counterattack ice cold to 2-0 for Cologne.

Bayer shook only briefly, the answer followed promptly. At the preparatory work by Wirtz, Schick shortened from a short distance – and thus heralded a stormy final offensive of the Leverkuseners. It was only chic with a head deep in added time. Cologne didn’t have much to offer in the extension. Boniface, who almost switched to Saudi Arabia a week ago, ensured the third prank.