Bayer Leverkusen 5–2 Nürnberg

Bayer 04 Leverkusen produced a remarkable comeback to defeat 1. FC Nürnberg 5–2 in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal. Two goals from Edmond Tapsoba brought the hosts back into the contest after they had fallen two goals behind, before Patrik Schick, Jonas Hofmann and Lucas Vázquez completed an emphatic turnaround at the BayArena.

Nürnberg had put the favourites under serious pressure with first-half goals from Rafael Lubach and Sigurd Haugen. Leverkusen responded just before half-time and continued their revival after the break, scoring four times in the second half to secure their place in the last 16.

Official match report: Bayer 04 Leverkusen — Werkself come from behind to beat Nürnberg 5–2.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Nürnberg: Match Highlights

▶ Watch Highlights

Watch the video above for the goals and key moments from the DFB-Pokal encounter. The match featured an unexpected early setback for Leverkusen, a decisive response from captain Edmond Tapsoba and three further goals that turned a difficult evening into a convincing cup win.

First Half: Nürnberg Shock the Favourites

14 minutes: Rafael Lubach gives Nürnberg the lead

Leverkusen began on the front foot and created early opportunities through Nathan Tella and Jonas Hofmann. However, Nürnberg made their first major opening count. Rafael Lubach found space near the edge of the penalty area and sent a low shot into the bottom-right corner to make it 1–0.

The goal changed the mood of the contest. Leverkusen still had attacking possession, but Nürnberg grew in confidence and looked increasingly dangerous when space opened up in transition.

30 minutes: Sigurd Haugen doubles Nürnberg's advantage

Nürnberg struck again on the counterattack. Sigurd Haugen arrived at the far post to finish the move and put the visitors 2–0 ahead. Leverkusen now faced the possibility of an early cup exit against determined second-tier opposition.

41 minutes: Edmond Tapsoba starts the comeback

Leverkusen found a vital breakthrough shortly before half-time from a corner. Aleix García delivered the ball into the area, and Edmond Tapsoba powered home to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

Second Half: Tapsoba Levels the Score

49 minutes: Tapsoba scores his second

Leverkusen made three changes at half-time, introducing Ibrahim Maza, Patrik Schick and Equi Fernández. The substitutions helped refresh the side, and the hosts quickly found their equaliser.

Another corner caused problems for Nürnberg. Tapsoba's initial header was saved by goalkeeper Jan Reichert, but the Leverkusen captain reacted quickly to score from the rebound. At 2–2, the comeback was complete, and the momentum had shifted firmly towards the home team.

70 minutes: Patrik Schick converts the penalty

Leverkusen continued to press as Nürnberg found it increasingly difficult to contain the hosts' attacks. After Schick was fouled inside the penalty area, the referee awarded a spot kick.

Schick took responsibility and calmly converted into the right corner, giving Leverkusen a 3–2 lead. For the first time in the match, the Werkself were ahead.

78 minutes: Jonas Hofmann extends the lead

Leverkusen added a fourth goal eight minutes later. Jonas Hofmann found space outside the penalty area and struck a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner. The finish made it 4–2 and gave Leverkusen breathing room after their difficult start.

89 minutes: Lucas Vázquez seals the 5–2 victory

The final goal provided an impressive finish to the comeback. Following a corner from Aleix García, the ball reached Lucas Vázquez, who struck a powerful volley into the net from the right side of the penalty area.

Tactical Analysis: How Leverkusen Turned the Game Around

1. Half-time changes helped restore attacking momentum

The introduction of Maza, Schick and Fernández gave Leverkusen fresh options after the interval. The equaliser arrived within minutes, allowing the hosts to build on the momentum established by Tapsoba's first goal.

2. Set pieces became a decisive weapon

Tapsoba scored both of his goals from corner situations, demonstrating the value of delivery and movement inside the penalty area.

Match Facts

Final Verdict

Bayer Leverkusen's 5–2 victory over Nürnberg was a comeback built on persistence, effective substitutions and dangerous set pieces. Edmond Tapsoba changed the direction of the match with his two goals, Schick put the hosts in front from the penalty spot, and Hofmann and Vázquez added two outstanding finishes.

From 2–0 down to a three-goal winning margin, the Werkself showed why they remained dangerous even when the match appeared to be slipping away. Their place in the DFB-Pokal round of 16 was secured in style.

Sources

• Bayer 04 Leverkusen — Official match report
• German Football Association — Leverkusen turn around cup tie against Nürnberg

Editorial note: This article is based on published club and competition reports. Tactical observations are editorial analysis and are not presented as direct quotations.