Köln reach U19 Bundesliga final to face derby rivals Leverkusen
In the second semi-final of the U19 Bundesliga, Köln knocked Werder Bremen out to book their place in the final for the very first time in this format. The Billy Goats youngsters only won this competition back in 1970-71.
Köln had to equalize twice to force a penalty shootout, but they did score three minutes after Bremen’s goals on both occasions. Their goalkeeper Mikolaj Marutzki produced a heroic performance in the shootout before Bremen’s last attempt was denied by the woodwork.
Leverkusen secured their place in the final the other day with a 4-3 extra-time win over Bayern Munich. The final will be played next Sunday at Leverkusen U19’s arena, Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The two finalists will participate in next season’s UEFA Youth League.
