LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen triumphed over second-division side Cologne with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the German Cup, thanks to late-game heroics from Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface. The match, held on Wednesday, saw Schick net a crucial goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, which allowed the game to proceed to extra time, where Boniface ultimately sealed the victory with a striking volley off a cross from Álex Grimaldo in the eighth minute of the extra period.

Cologne’s Imad Rondi? appeared to have equalized for his team after Boniface’s goal, scoring to make it 3-3. However, his effort was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed he was offside. This marked a significant moment as referee Frank Willenborg made history by being the first to convey the VAR decision to the stadium during a German Cup match.

The match faced an unusual delay right from the start as smoke from fireworks set off by visiting fans obscured visibility. The players were forced to remain warm on the sidelines by juggling footballs for about ten minutes until conditions improved.

In a surprising turn of events, it was American youth international Damion Downs who put Cologne in the lead during first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on the earlier wait and firing a shot that found the left post. Following the break, Florian Wirtz had a chance to level the score, but Leverkusen’s efforts were initially thwarted by Cologne’s goalkeeper, Marvin Schwäbe. Just nine minutes later, Linton Maina showcased a stunning counterattack, sprinting down the right wing, cutting inside Nordi Mukiele, and slotting a shot into the far post to double Cologne’s lead.

Wirtz finally managed to impact the scoreline positively, controlling the ball expertly before assisting Schick in the 61st minute, allowing Leverkusen to bring the game back into contention. With only 15 minutes left in regulation time, coach Xabi Alonso opted to bring on Boniface in place of a midfielder, recognizing the need for both strikers to find the crucial goal.

When the moment arrived, it was Schick once again who played a pivotal role for Leverkusen, heading home a well-placed cross from Jeremie Frimpong into the left side of the net. Shortly after, Boniface’s decisive volley clinched their place in the semifinals. Wirtz celebrated the team’s resilience enthusiastically, even climbing onto the fence behind the goal to share the moment with local supporters.