Arminia Bielefeld Shocks Defending Champions Bayer Leverkusen to Secure Spot in DFB-Pokal Final

In a remarkable turn of events, third-tier Arminia Bielefeld eclipsed reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, securing a spot in their first-ever DFB-Pokal final with a thrilling 2-1 victory at the Schuco Arena.

Having previously eliminated Bundesliga teams in the last three rounds, the hosts were no strangers to top-flight challenges, and they demonstrated their resilience by coming from behind to take a lead at halftime.

The match’s slow start picked up when Jonathan Tah found the net from close range, benefiting from a lack of marking during a corner that was flicked on at the near post.

However, undeterred by the setback, Arminia quickly responded as Piero Hincapié’s attempt to block was ineffective, allowing Marius Worl to capitalise and drill home an equaliser, tying him with Patrik Schick as the top scorer in this season’s DFB-Pokal.

Things went from bad to worse for Leverkusen as Noah Sarenren Bazee squandered a chance following a moment of uncertainty from Hincapie, with goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky making a crucial low save to deny the striker.

Just before the halftime whistle, Arminia seized the lead, igniting wild celebrations among their home supporters.

Louis Oppie’s free kick drifted to the back post, where Maximilian Grosser darted in to flick the ball past a floundering Hincapie, sending his side into halftime with an improbable advantage.

Having never reached the DFB-Pokal final after four semi-final appearances, history was tantalisingly close for Michel Kniat’s team. Despite the introduction of Bayer’s star striker Victor Boniface, the home side successfully stifled their Bundesliga rivals.

The second half began with Leverkusen failing to register a shot on goal in the opening 15 minutes, while Arminia controlled the match and even came close to extending their lead, with Joel Grodowski missing a prime opportunity that could have sealed the trip to Berlin.

Eventually, Leverkusen forced Arminia’s goalkeeper, Jonas Kersken, into action as he made a scrambling save from a Nordi Mukiele header that was awkwardly bouncing towards the bottom corner.

Patrik Schick later tested the home side’s nerves with a header that skimmed the outside of the post. Ultimately, it was too little, too late for Leverkusen, who struggled on the night and fell victim to Arminia’s extraordinary journey to the Olympiastadion.