Leverkusen 3-2 FC Koln (a.e.t.): Player Ratings as Schick and Boniface complete incredible turnaround for Xabi Alonso’s men

Leverkusen hosted FC Koln at the BayArena and secured a dramatic 3-2 win after extra-time to advance to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday, February 5.

The hosts dominated possession in the first half but had nothing to show for it, with no shots on target from five attempts. FC Koln, on the other hand, waited for their chance and grabbed the lead deep into first-half stoppage time via Damion Downs.

Linton Maina then made it 2-0 to FC Koln shortly after the restart. However, Leverkusen showed fight and Patrik Schick scored at the hour-mark to make it 1-2. He made it a brace in dramatic fashion with the leveller in the 96^th minute to make it 2-2 and set up extra-time.

Victor Boniface won the match for Leverkusen in the second half of extra-time with a lovely finish from Alejandro Grimaldo’s assist. On that note, here are the player ratings.

Leverkusen Player Ratings vs FC Koln

Goalkeeper

Matej Kovar – 6/10

He made two saves in a decent performance in goal.

Defenders

Nordi Mukiele – 7.5/10

Mukiele won four of five duels, making three clearances and one interception. He also played one key pass.

Jonathan Tah – 7.5/10

Tah won all three of his duels, making five clearances and one interception as well.

Edmond Tapsoba – 7/10

He won all four of his duels and made two tackles in a decent first half.

Midfielders

Jeremie Frimpong – 8/10

Frimpong had a great game as he played four key passes, including one assist. He also played four crosses and won seven duels.

Exequiel Palacios – 7/10

Palacios played well in midfield as he played one key pass and won three duels as well.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5/10

Xhaka played 10 long balls, two crosses and one key pass. He also won five duels in midfield.

Alejandro Grimaldo – 8/10

Grimaldo had a good game as he played two key passes, including one assist. He also played three crosses, completed three dribbles and won four duels.

Forwards

Emiliano Buendia – 7/10

Buendia passed the ball with 84% accuracy, won six duels and also made four tackles.

Florian Wirtz – 8.5/10

Wirtz played seven key passes, including one assist. He also played five crosses, won seven duels and attempted one shot off-target.

Patrik Schick – 9/10

He scored a crucial brace for Leverkusen, won seven duels and also played one key pass.

Substitutes

Piero Hincapie – 7/10

He came on and helped Leverkusen turn the match on its head in the second half.

Nathan Tella – 7/10

Tella came on in the second period and put in a strong performance.

Victor Boniface – 7.5/10

He scored the goal to make it 3-2 to Leverkusen in second-half extra-time to put them in a commanding position.

Aleix Garcia – 7/10

He came on in the second half and put in a decent cameo.

Mario Hermoso – 6.5/10

He replaced Grimaldo and played well.

Manager

Xabi Alonso – 8.5/10

He made the perfect changes at the perfect time to mastermind a comeback win for Leverkusen.

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FC Koln Player Ratings vs Leverkusen

Goalkeeper

Marvin Schwabe – 7/10

He made four saves in a good performance for FC Koln.

Defenders

Timo Hubers – 6.5/10

He won nine duels, making two clearances and one interception as well.

Joel Schmied – 6.5/10

Schmid won three duels, making two clearances and one block.

Dominique Heintz – 6.5/10

Heintz won two duels, making 11 clearances, four blocks and two interceptions.

Midfielders

Jan Thielmann – 6.5/10

Thielmann put in an average performance on the right flank and was also booked.

Denis Huseinbasic – 6.5/10

He had a decent game in midfield and was subbed off in the second period.

Eric Martel – 6.5/10

Martel had an average game in midfield for FC Koln.

Max Finkgrafe – 6.5/10

He had a decent game but picked up a knock and was withdrawn from the action in the second half.

Forwards

Dejan Ljubicic – 6/10

Ljubicic played just one key pass and won only two of 10 duels.

Damion Downs – 8/10

He had a great game as he scored one goal and assisted another for FC Koln. Downs also won two duels.

Linton Maina – 7.5/10

He scored one goal, played one key pass and won one duel in a good performance by Maina.

Substitutes

Steffen Tigges – 6.5/10

He replaced Downs but failed to make an impact on the proceedings for FC Koln.

Leart Paqarada – 6.5/10

He replaced Finkgrafe and put in a decent performance.

Mathias Olesen – 6.5/10

He replaced Huseinbasic and played well.

Imad Rondic – 6.5/10

He seemed to have made it 3-3 in extra-time but his goal was ruled out.

Jusuf Gazibegovic – 6.5/10

He replaced Thielmann and put in a decent performance.

Manager

Gerhard Struber – 7/10

His team took a deserved lead but could not hold off a much stronger team.

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