Bayer Leverkusen produced a stunning late comeback as Patrik Schick scored twice in stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory over Qarabag, propelling them into the Europa League quarter-finals and extending their unbeaten run this season.
Trailing 4-2 on aggregate after second-half goals from Abdellah Zoubir and Juninho put Qarabag in control, Leverkusen faced a daunting task. However, Jeremie Frimpong’s volley and a red card for Qarabag’s Elvin Cafarguliyev ignited hope for the hosts.
In a nail-biting finale, Czech Republic forward Patrik Schick emerged as the hero for Leverkusen. First, he calmly steered in Alex Grimaldo’s cross, leveling the tie and seemingly sending it to extra time. But Schick wasn’t done yet.
In a remarkable twist, Schick rose highest to meet Exequiel Palacios’ delivery with a powerful header in the seventh added minute of stoppage time. His late heroics sparked jubilant celebrations among Leverkusen supporters at the BayArena, while leaving Qarabag stunned.
The thrilling comeback not only secured Leverkusen’s place in the Europa League quarter-finals but also extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions this season.