Werkself Madness: Cup Thriller with a Happy Ending Against Cologne!

Sometimes, football games are just football games. And then there are matches like this DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against 1. FC Köln. The kind of game that drags you through every emotional extreme, ages you like a poorly stored camembert, and then sends you into pure euphoria at the end.

Bayer 04 is in the DFB-Pokal semifinals after a 3-2 win in extra time against our "beloved" neighbors from Cologne. And that’s despite being 2-0 down, with the derby script initially reading like a horror story for Leverkusen fans. But Xabi Alonso has shaped this squad into a mental fortress, not just a footballing powerhouse. This team never gives up—it’s ruthless when it matters most. And when you think it’s over, Patrik Schick shows up.

The night started with a pyro show that caused a ten-minute delay—something Cologne fans call "atmosphere," while we in Leverkusen call it "annoying." Once the smoke cleared, Bayer took control, playing patiently but without the final punch. And as is tradition in the cup, if you don’t take your chances, the underdog strikes. Damion Downs scored right before halftime—of course, in what felt like the 100th minute of added time. And when Linton Maina made it 2-0, Bayer fans were left questioning their life choices.

But hey, we’re not Borussia Dortmund! Resignation? Not with this team! Florian Wirtz pulled off a moment of magic, Patrik Schick said "thank you," and suddenly it was 1-2. The BayArena was rocking again, the fans pushed the team forward—and in the dying seconds of regular time, Bayer found the equalizer. Who else but Schick? A classic Bayer 04 goal: Frimpong's pace, a perfect cross, an ice-cold finish. Extra time!

Then came Victor Boniface. Fresh back from injury, and what a return! A thunderous strike in the 98th minute, 3-2. Cologne tried everything, even found the net, but VAR had no mercy. Offside! After that, it was all about holding on. But Bayer stayed strong. Victory! Semifinals! What a night!

Schick and Boniface both scoring raises the question: could a two-striker system be an option for Xabi Alonso in the coming weeks? But that’s a question for another day. Right now, we celebrate. Bayer 04 is still on course, the title defense is alive! And most importantly: we once again put Cologne in their place. The cup? Bayer can do it!