Bayer Leverkusen booked their place in the next round of the DFB Pokal with a commanding 5-2 victory over 1. FC Nürnberg. The Round of 32 tie at the BayArena on Wednesday was an attacking show, with the home side dominating possession and chances throughout. This success follows the 3-0 defeat at 1899 Hoffenheim last Saturday and is part of a recent run of four wins and one loss from their last five competitive matches.
Despite falling behind to an early Rafael Lubach goal (13') and a second from Sigurd Haugen (30'), Leverkusen fought back before the break. Edmond Tapsoba headed home from an Aleix García cross in the 41st minute to make it 1-2. The centre-back then equalised with his second goal of the night in the 49th minute. Patrik Schick confidently converted a penalty in the 70th minute to put Leverkusen ahead for the first time. Jonas Hofmann (78') and Lucas Vázquez (89') added late goals to seal the emphatic win.
Head coach Carles Martínez made a triple change at half-time, introducing top scorer Patrik Schick. Schick has now scored six goals in seven Bundesliga appearances this season. The performance was a response to the 3-0 defeat at Hoffenheim last weekend. In the league, they have scored 16 goals and conceded 12.
Attention now turns to the Bundesliga home fixture against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. The 15th-placed side visit the BayArena on October 31st for a 15:30 kick-off. Leverkusen go into that match with four wins from their last five competitive games. The team also secured victories over SC Freiburg, Lech Poznan and FSV Mainz 05 during this period.
Carles Martínez spoke in a press conference after the cup win on Wednesday. The manager said the team did "a very good job from us" in the second half. The next home match is on Saturday, October 31. Leverkusen then hosts fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart.
