Qarabag was one step away from a fairytale. Bayer made an incredible comeback

Bayer Leverkusen secured a remarkable victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabag to advance to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League!

Throughout the first half, Bayer exerted expected pressure with numerous attacks, yet managed only two shots on target against Qarabag's defense. Consequently, the teams went into halftime with a scoreline of 0-0.

However, after the break, Qarabag stunned the world. In the 58th minute, Abdella Zubir outmuscled Jeremie Frimpong and broke the deadlock.

Bayer intensified their offensive efforts, and in the 62nd minute, Qarabag found themselves down to ten men! Elvin Jafarguliyev tugged Frimpong's shirt as he raced one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Referee Anthony Taylor brandished a red card for the last-ditch foul.

Remarkably, even with a numerical disadvantage, Qarabag managed to net a second goal. Following a cross from the right flank, Brazilian player Juninho found the back of the net.

In the 72nd minute, Frimpong redeemed himself with a goal after a pass from Álex Grimaldo. Towards the end, the Habib Alonso-led team created several excellent opportunities but only managed to score in the second minute of stoppage time, with Patrick Schick converting from Grimaldo's delivery. Just when it seemed the game would head into extra time, Schick completed his brace from Palacios's assist to secure the victory!

Recall that the first leg in Baku ended in a 2-2 draw, with Bayer also staging a comeback from a 0-2 deficit.

Thus, Bayer extended their incredible undefeated streak across all competitions.

Europa League. 1/8 finals. Second leg
Bayer Leverkusen - Qarabag 3:2 (first game - 2:2).
Goals: Frimong, 72, Schick, 90+2, 90+7 - Zubir, 58, Juninho, 67