Edmond Tapsoba double helps Bayer Leverkusen reach DFB-Pokal last 16

Bayer Leverkusen recovered from two goals down to beat 1. FC Nuremberg 5-2 and reach the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal.

The Bundesliga champions looked in serious trouble after Rafael Lubach opened the scoring for Nuremberg in the 13th minute. Sigurd Haugen then doubled the lead in the 30th minute, leaving Leverkusen facing an early exit in the second round.

Edmond Tapsoba gave Xabi Alonso’s side a route back into the tie shortly before half-time, scoring in the 41st minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The Burkina Faso international struck again four minutes after the restart, levelling the match in the 49th minute and completing his decisive double.

Leverkusen then took control of the contest. Patrik Schick converted a penalty in the 70th minute to put the visitors ahead for the first time, before Jonas Hofmann added a fourth in the 78th minute.

Lucas Vazquez completed the scoring in the 89th minute as Leverkusen confirmed their place in the next round with a 5-2 victory.

The comeback keeps the German champions’ DFB-Pokal campaign alive, while Tapsoba’s two goals mark another notable performance for the club.