Leverkusen advances to the German Cup semi-finals Xabi Alonso: The team showed tenacious fighting spirit

In the quarterfinals of the 2024/25 German Cup, Bayer Leverkusen defeated FC Cologne of the German Second Division 3-2 after being two goals ahead thanks to goals from Patrick Schick and Boniface. Xabi Alonso said it was a difficult match, but the team showed an excellent fighting spirit and successfully advanced to the semifinals.

In the first half stoppage time, Damien Downs got the ball and broke through the defense and shot, helping Cologne to take the lead 1-0. In the 54th minute of the second half, Linton Miner received a pass from Damien Downs and broke into the penalty area, shaking off the defense and shooting into the goal, helping Cologne to expand its lead to 2-0.

In the 61st minute, Wirtz broke through the defense from the left and passed the ball diagonally to the penalty area. Patrick Schick received the ball and shot it into the empty goal, helping Leverkusen to equalize the score 1-2.

In the second half stoppage time, Frimpong made a lob pass to the penalty area, and Patrick Schick jumped up and headed the ball into the goal, helping Leverkusen to tie the score at 2-2. In the extra time, Grimaldo made a cross from the left, and Boniface volleyed the ball in the face of the defense and scored, helping Leverkusen to overtake 3-2.

In the end, Leverkusen defeated Cologne 3-2 at the BayArena and successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup.

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said in an interview, "I am satisfied with being able to advance to the semi-finals. This was a very difficult game. The opponent performed very well, but we showed a good response."

“Maybe this wasn’t our best game, but the team showed great fighting spirit. We fought until the very end and finally advanced.”

Patrick Schick, who contributed two goals in this game, said, "This is really great and extremely important. As a striker, my job is to be ready to receive the cross at any time. Players must always be alert."

In addition, Leverkusen defender Jonathan Taze said, "This victory is dedicated to the fans and this city. Although we were not rigorous in controlling the ball and our attention was distracted at times in the game, we finally succeeded in the reversal."

"I can always feel that everyone in the team is full of desire and fighting spirit, and everyone wants to win this game."