Bayer Leverkusen scrapes into Pokal semi-finals
Bayer Leverkusen produced a dramatic turnaround to book a place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, as it came from behind to deny Koln 3-2.
Xabi Alonso's side recovered from 2-0 down with Patrik Schick's last-gasp equaliser forcing extra-time, where Victor Boniface decided the tie at BayArena.
Despite seeing Alejandro Grimaldo's free-kick rattle the crossbar, DFB-Pokal holders Leverkusen fell behind in first-half stoppage time through Damion Downs.
The 2. Bundesliga leader was seeking its first semi-final appearance in 23 years, and doubled its advantage within nine minutes of the restart as Linton Maina rounded off a swift counter.
Schick halved the deficit just after the hour mark then, six minutes into stoppage time, nodded home Jeremie Frimpong's deep cross to send the tie into extra-time.
With all the momentum, the host completed the turnaround in the 98th minute and, ultimately, snatched victory in the tie, as Boniface volleyed in from Grimaldo's delivery.
