Boniface and Schick seals Bayer Leverkusen’s thrilling comeback against Cologne.
Defending champions, Bayer Leverkusen staged a thrilling comeback to defeat second-division Cologne 3-2 after extra time, securing a place in the German Cup semifinals. Cologne took a surprise 2-0 lead in the western German derby, with Damian Downs scoring late in the first half before setting up Linton Maina in the 54th minute. However, Patrik Schick ignited Leverkusen’s fightback in the 61st, finishing off Florian Wirtz’s assist before heading in a dramatic equalizer six minutes into stoppage time. Victor Boniface sealed the victory in the 98th minute, volleying home Álex Grimaldo’s cross. Cologne nearly forced another twist when Imad Rondić scored in the 111th, but VAR ruled him offside. The match, briefly halted due to smoke from fan pyrotechnics, also saw referee Frank Willenborg become the first to announce a VAR decision in a German Cup game. Leverkusen survived another late scare, continuing their cup title defense.
FT: Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 FC Köln.
BAYER LEVERKUSEN HAVE REACHED THE SEMI FINAL OF THE DFB POKAL AFTER COMPLETING YET ANOTHER COMEBACK! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/eM7ZGAK5CM
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 5, 2025
Neymar stars in his first game back with boyhood club, Santos.
After nearly 12 years in Europe and a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has returned to professional football in Brazil with his boyhood club, Santos. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star came on as a second-half substitute in Santos’ 1-1 draw against Botafogo SP in the Campeonato Paulista on Wednesday at Estádio Vila Belmiro. Despite being named the game’s best player, Neymar admitted he is not yet at full fitness and expects to improve in the coming matches. The 33-year-old signed a six-month deal with Santos on January 31, with hopes of extending it through the 2026 World Cup. Neymar previously won six titles with the club, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores. After record-breaking transfers to Barcelona and PSG, he joined Al-Hilal in 2023 but suffered an ACL injury. With no place in Al-Hilal’s squad, speculation about his Santos return grew, culminating in his emotional homecoming.
Neymar is back. ⚪️⚫️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/IZYUzD3Rbj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2025
Taye Taiwo inducted into Olympique Marseille’s Club of Legends.
Former Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo has been honoured with induction into Olympique Marseille’s prestigious Club of Legends, celebrating his impact on the club and Nigerian football. The 39-year-old spent six successful years at Marseille, making 271 appearances, scoring 25 goals, and providing 23 assists. He now joins an elite group of club icons, including Samir Nasri and Mamadou Niang, in Marseille’s Hall of Fame. Taiwo played a key role in Marseille’s success, winning Ligue 1, the League Cup, and the French Super Cup before departing for AC Milan in 2011. Renowned for his powerful left foot and long-range strikes, he became a fan favourite at the Stade Vélodrome. After Marseille, he had brief spells with AC Milan and Queens Park Rangers before retiring in 2019. Now residing in France, Taiwo’s induction cements his legacy as one of the most celebrated African players to don Marseille’s iconic white shirt.
Former Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo has been inducted into Olympique Marseille’s Hall of Fame 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/OWscfEfKCr
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) February 5, 2025
Real Madrid Edge Leganes 3-2 to Reach Copa del Rey Semifinals.
A stoppage-time header from 20-year-old Gonzalo García secured Real Madrid a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Wednesday. Luka Modrić and Endrick gave Madrid an early two-goal lead, but Juan Cruz pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after a handball by Jacobo Ramón. Cruz then equalized in the 59th with a deflected strike. With several key players rested ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures, Madrid fielded a youthful defense that struggled early on. Andriy Lunin made crucial saves to deny Leganes an early lead before Madrid took control. Despite missed chances from Vinicius Jr. and Endrick, Garcia’s 93rd-minute header from a Brahim Díaz cross sealed the win. The young striker’s first senior goal ensured Madrid avoided extra time and booked their place in the semifinals, keeping their hopes alive for another Copa del Rey title.
FT: Leganés 2-3 Real Madrid.
REAL MADRID HAVE REACHED THE SEMI FINAL OF THE COPA DEL REY! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/2n7QCjT6Tp
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 5, 2025
In-form Newcastle secures EFL final spot after 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal.
Newcastle secured a place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the semi-final second leg, sealing a 4-0 aggregate win. Already trailing by two goals, the Gunners needed a strong response but faltered at St. James’ Park. Striker, Alexander Isak led Newcastle’s attack, causing havoc for Arsenal’s defense, while Mikel Arteta’s side struggled in front of goal. After Isak had an early goal disallowed, Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard struck the post with a golden opportunity. Moments later, Jacob Murphy capitalized on Isak’s initial effort to give Newcastle the lead. Arsenal pushed forward but remained vulnerable, and a misplaced pass from goalkeeper David Raya allowed Anthony Gordon to double the lead. With Arsenal unable to break through, Newcastle comfortably saw out the match. The defeat highlighted Arsenal’s attacking frailties, while Newcastle celebrated a well-earned spot in the final.
FT: Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal (4-0 AGG).
NEWCASTLE UNITED REACH THE FINAL OF THE CARABAO CUP WHERE THEY WILL FACE LIVERPOOL OR TOTTENHAM! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/SIt5INUShx
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 5, 2025