Victor Boniface emerged as the hero for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring the extra-time winner as they overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat rivals Koln 3-2 in the DFB Pokal quarterfinals.
The derby clash was a fiercely contested affair. Koln, riding a wave of recent success, took a surprise 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Damion Downs’ stunning goal. Linton Maina doubled their advantage early in the second half, leaving Leverkusen facing a daunting task.
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However, Leverkusen showed their resilience, with Patrik Schick scoring twice to level the score and send the game into extra time. In the 98th minute, substitute Boniface, who had scored the opener in their recent league victory over Hoffenheim, proved to be the match-winner.
The Nigerian international expertly headed home Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross, securing a dramatic victory for Leverkusen.
Boniface’s 10th goal of the season propels Leverkusen into the DFB Pokal semifinals, where they will face a challenging opponent.
Their focus now shifts back to the league, as they prepare to face Wolfsburg this weekend.
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