Leverkusen Overcomes Two-Goal Deficit to Secure German Cup Semifinal Spot

Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen defeated second-division Cologne 3-2 in extra time after a dramatic comeback in the quarterfinals.

• Victor Boniface scored the decisive goal in the 98th minute, converting a cross from Álex Grimaldo to complete Leverkusen’s comeback.
• Patrik Schick equalized deep into stoppage time with a header, forcing the match into extra time after Cologne led 2-1 late in the game.
• Cologne’s Imad Rondić appeared to score a late equalizer in the 113th minute, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR offside review.
• Cologne initially stunned Leverkusen by taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Damion Downs and Linton Maina, capitalizing on defensive lapses.
• The match was briefly delayed due to smoke from pyrotechnics in the visiting fans' section, adding to an already intense derby atmosphere.

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