Leverkusen stunned in extra time by 4th-tier Essen in cup

Bayer Leverkusen was stunned in extra time by fourth-tier Rot-Weiss Essen and knocked out of the German Cup with a 2-1 loss on Tuesday.

Leverkusen, last year’s beaten finalist, struck the post four times while missing a host of chances before Leon Bailey finally broke the deadlock in the 105th minute. The Jamaican forward stayed cool and side-footed inside the far post.

However, Essen midfielder Oğuzhan Kefkir equalized three minutes later and Simon Engelmann completed a remarkable turnaround when he netted the winner in the 117th.

Essen's players celebrate at the end of the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)

Leverkusen complained that new signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah was fouled in the buildup, but hopes of a last-minute reprieve were thwarted when the goal was cleared by the video referee.

Holstein Kiel, which knocked out defending champion Bayern Munich in the previous round, defeated second-division rival Darmstadt 7-6 in a penalty shootout after their third-round game ended 1-1 with extra time.

Borussia Dortmund was playing Paderborn and Werder Bremen faced Greuther Fürth later.

Essen's goalkeeper Daniel Davari, center right, celebrates with team mates at the end of the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)

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Leverkusen's Lucas Alario leaves the pitch after the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)

Essen's Simon Engelmann celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)

Essen's players celebrate at the end of the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)

Essen's Oguzhan Kefkir celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Soccer Cup 3rd round match between RW Essen and Bayer Leverkusen in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP PhotoMartin Meissner, Pool)