Bayer Leverkusen Vs Qarabag FK: Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick scored a highly dramatic brace in the stoppage time, as Bayer Leverkusen maintained their unbeaten status across all competitions this season with a 3-2 win over Qarabag FK in their return leg of the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Round of 16. The German side produced one of the most memorable moments in recent history, as they made a surreal comeback from 1-2 down to 3-2 up inside the stoppage time to break hearts of the visiting fans and the players.
"We were ready to have a special night in the BayArena. It was not easy, to come back from 0-2 in the final minutes. I saw that we wanted more. The most important thing is that we are in the next round with top clubs and we’ll see the draw tomorrow," said Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen's manager.
"I’m happy we are all together and we have the team spirit, that’s maybe the most important thing from the season, to build that. The belief and the hunger, that for me is beautiful. It’s not just today. I know this team want to be successful. The amtopshere and celebrating with the fans. This excitement and belief is so important, we have to enjoy that," he added.
The match seemed to be all but over for the Bundesliga outfit once they were 2-0 down, but Jeremie Frimpong pulled one back to keep the hopes alive, and Czech Republic's striker Patrik Schick came off the bench to score a brace (90+3', 90+8'), and with this, Bayer Leverkusen eliminated Qarabag FK 5-4 on aggregate.
The German side now await their opponents for the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Europa League 2023/24, which is subject to a draw that will take place on Friday.