Leverkusen dispatch Paderborn to reach Pokal last-eight
Despite a strong cup run in which they defeated Cottbus and Freiburg, Paderborn would be redirected to earth with a thump this evening when they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of a rampant Bayer Leverkusen.
Germany’s most in-form team under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso spared no time in taking a 12th minute lead through Victor Boniface. The Nigerian smashing a precise volley home with the aid of the left post. Die Werkself had the game in a stranglehold for almost its entirety.
Leverkusen found themselves 2-0 up before the half hour mark. Frimpong’s determined running made space for Palacios who unleashed from 20 yards through Heuer’s legs and beyond Boevink.
Subbed on at the break, Jonas Hofmann appeared to make an instant impact when he rounded Boevink to finish. The goal would be overturned for an acute offside against the German. Alonso, conscious of the busy winter schedule ahead, made ample use of his bench including the introduction of Patrik Schick.
Paderborn reduced the arrears with seven minutes to play – Sebastian Klaas’ sublime strike stunned Matej Kovar and the Leverkusen rearguard. Any fears of a Paderborn comeback were snuffed out when Schick chipped in for 3-1 in the 97th minute. Fed by Xhaka, Frimpong crossed for the Czech forward who guided his finish between post and Boevink to seal their quarter-final berth.