Leverkusen survive Pokal scare as late strikes undo spirited 10-man Paderborn

Leverkusen were dragged into a battle against Paderborn, requiring extra time to win 4-2 and book their last-16 berth

In what was almost the shock of the night, Bayer Leverkusen survived an almighty upset as the 10-men of SC Paderborn took them to extra time. In the end, crucial late strikes from Ibrahim Maza and Aleix Garcia swung victory in their favour on a 4-2 scoreline. 

Mark Flekken’s goal came under a barrage of fire in the opening 15 minutes as Paderborn sought the opening goal. Lucas Copado stung the Dutch shot-stopper’s palms with a header, while Götze flicked wide from a cross. 

Leverkusen found themselves under the pump again when Mika Baur’s effort whistled past the post. The Bundesliga club were limited to one shot at goal inside 25 minutes which left coach Kasper Hjulmand puzzled. 

The visitors finally started to threaten the Paderborn goal as Arthur fed Aleix Garcia. Although the Spaniard’s shot was blocked, the rebound fell kindly for Jonas Hofmann whose volley just dipped over the crossbar.

Felix Götze’s red card before the hour mark proved to be somewhat of a turning point in the game as he hauled Kofane down in a clear goal-scoring position. Alejandro Grimaldo’s sumptuous freekick made it 1-0 minutes later.

However, credit must be given to the battling 10-men of Paderborn who refused to lie down. Stefan Tigges and Luis Engelns went close from corners, however it was substitute Stefano Marino whose header at the near post sent the game to extra-time.

Mere minutes after missing a gilt-edged opportunity to go in front, Sven Michel made it 2-1 in dramatic fashion. Nick Bätzner fed the 35-year-old who opened up his body whipped it beneath Flekken to send the home fans into raptures. 

Ultimately, Leverkusen made the extra man count and levelled matters when Ernest Poku squared for Quansah to tap home. A further Grimaldo chance almost snatched it, but an Ibrahim Maza strike from close range sealed the win, while Garcia’s halfway-line goal sealed the 4-2 outcome.