Victor Boniface delivered a match-winning performance as Bayer Leverkusen staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Köln 3-2 after extra time in the DFB Pokal quarterfinals.
Boniface Returns, Tella Makes Squad
Nathan Tella looks on during the DFB Cup quarterfinal match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln at BayArena. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Nathan Tella, after passing a late fitness test, made the matchday squad, while Boniface, fully recovered from a thigh injury that sidelined him for two months, started on the bench.
The Nigerian striker was introduced in the 76th minute with Leverkusen trailing and made an instant impact, scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
How the Game Unfolded
Köln took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time through Damion Downs before Linton Maina doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. However, Leverkusen responded quickly, with Patrik Schick pulling a goal back in the 61st minute.
Linton Maina of 1.FC Koln celebrates scoring his team’s second goal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Schick then struck again, equalizing six minutes into added time to force extra time.
With the momentum in Leverkusen’s favor, they pressed for a winner, and in the 98th minute, Alejandro Grimaldo whipped in a precise cross, which Boniface calmly converted with a close-range side-foot finish, sealing a dramatic victory.
Boniface’s Impact and Scoring Streak
Boniface’s goal secured Leverkusen’s place in the semifinals, keeping them on course to defend their DFB Pokal title.
The 24-year-old has now scored in consecutive games since returning from injury, having also found the net in Leverkusen’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Hoffenheim.
Despite the recent collapse of a potential transfer to Al Nassr, Boniface has shown that the speculation isn’t affecting his game. Instead, he continues to silence critics with his performances on the pitch.
Double Digits Again for Boniface
With this goal, Boniface has now hit double digits for the second straight season, scoring ten goals across all competitions.
He has netted 7 goals in the Bundesliga, 1 goal in the DFB Pokal, 1 goal in the Champions League and 1 goal in the German Super Cup.
So far this season, he has made 17 appearances across all competitions, proving his importance to Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Leverkusen side.
