News (engl.)

Arminia Bielefeld shocked defending champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen to reach the DFB-Pokal final for the first time in the club’s history. The third-division side won 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Marius Wörl (20’) and Maximilian Großer (45’+3), cancelling out Jonathan Tah’s opener (17’). Their opponents for the final in Berlin in May will be the winner of the second semi-final between Bundesliga sides VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig.

Leverkusen enjoyed more of the ball from the start, but struggled to find opportunities to shoot when confronted with Bielefeld’s high press. Meanwhile, the hosts sought to find opportunities to counter quickly. The defending champions from Leverkusen didn’t waste any time, scoring with their first chance on goal in the 17th minute. Amin Adli was able to head the ball towards the far post following a corner, with Tah waiting to slot home from close range.

Wörl equalises, Großer puts Bielefeld ahead

Bielefeld quickly shook off the set back and managed to draw level immediately after. Wörl was able to bury a cross from Louis Oppie in at the bottom corner just three minutes later. Shortly after, Noah Sarenren Bazee could have put the hosts 2-1 up, but Lukas Hradecky was able to get the better of the winger in a one-on-one (26’).

Leverkusen struggled to find their usual rhythm when faced with the host’s aggressive playing style, as the two teams looked as though they would head into the half-time break still level. As the end of first-half injury time approached, Oppie sent a free-kick in from the edge of the box that was met by Großer at the far post, as he put Arminia 2-1 up.

No way through for the Werkself

Bielefeld continued to press hard after the break, covering plenty of ground as they sought to keep the Werkself away from their goal. Joel Grodowski missed a good chance from 10 metres out in the 69th minute for the hosts.

At the other end, a header from Victor Boniface forced goalkeeper Jonas Kersken to make a diving save to preserve their advantage (72’). Robert Andrich was able to get off a shot from the resulting corner, but it was blocked in the nick of time by an Arminia defender. Shortly after, Patrik Schick headed the ball against the post (81’). Bielefeld were then able to run out the clock, as the full-time whistle set off a wave of enthusiastic celebrations amongst the home fans.

Bielefeld can now look forward to taking part in the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin on 24th May for the first time in their history, with their opponents set to be revealed following Wednesday’s second semi-final between Stuttgart and Leverkusen.