SC Paderborn 07 vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Recap - Oct 29, 2025

In a thrilling second-round clash of the DFB Pokal, Bayer Leverkusen edged out SC Paderborn 07 with a 4-2 victory after extra time at the Home Deluxe Arena on October 29, 2025. Despite my bold prediction that Paderborn would deliver a historic upset, it was Leverkusen who ultimately showcased the resilience and attacking prowess needed to advance in the tournament.

Entering the match, Leverkusen appeared vulnerable after an embarrassing 2-7 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint Germain just a week prior. On the other hand, Paderborn was riding high on a five-match winning streak in the second Bundesliga, fueled by a potent attack led by Filip Bilbija. The stage was set for an upset, but as the match unfolded, it became clear that Leverkusen was determined to make amends for their recent mishaps.

The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, the deadlock was eventually broken just after the hour mark. Alejandro Grimaldo struck for Leverkusen in the 60th minute, giving his side a critical lead and energizing the visiting fans. Paderborn, though, refused to back down. As the regulations approached their end, they managed to draw level in dramatic fashion. In the 90th minute, Stefano Marino found the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and extending the match into extra time.

With the momentum on Paderborn's side, the early stages of extra time saw them take the lead. Just minutes into the first period, Sven Michel scored in the 96th minute, putting Paderborn ahead 2-1 and heightening hopes of a monumental upset. However, Leverkusen had not come this far to succumb to a lower league side. The Bayer players rallied, and the turning point came in the 106th minute when Jarell Quansah equalized for Leverkusen. From that moment forward, Paderborn's once vibrant spirit seemed to dim.

As the clock ticked down, Leverkusen seized control of the match, with Ibrahim Maza putting his team ahead 3-2 in the dying moments of extra time. Just to seal the deal, Aleix García capped off the night with a fourth goal in the 120+4th minute. The match concluded with a bittersweet sense of what could have been for Paderborn, who had fought valiantly only to see their dreams dashed in the final moments.

Red cards also played a role in this encounter, with Paderborn's Felix Götze receiving his marching orders in the 58th minute. Although still managing to draw level later, it was a significant loss as they struggled to hold back Leverkusen's relentless attack.

This result means more than just a place in the next round for Bayer Leverkusen; it signals a chance for redemption following their recent defeat in Europe. For SC Paderborn 07, despite the loss, the match exemplified their competitive spirit. They will need to rally as they look to focus on their league pursuits, where they currently sit in mid-table, buoyed by the confidence gained in recent performances.

Moving forward, Leverkusen hopes to build on this victory as they continue their quest in the DFB Pokal while also looking to stabilize their league form. Meanwhile, Paderborn can take pride in their performance against a higher-tier opponent, knowing that their attacking flair remains potent as they seek to climb the Bundesliga ranks.

In hindsight, my prediction of a Paderborn upset did not materialize, but the match served as a testament to the unpredictable beauty of football. As we look ahead, there are certainly lessons and momentum for both sides as they chart their paths forward in the competitive landscape of German football.