In a thrilling upset that has fans talking, third-tier Arminia Bielefeld stunned holders Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the German Cup semifinal. This historic win propels Bielefeld into the final for the first time ever, after eliminating four Bundesliga teams in consecutive rounds. ⚽
Leverkusen, who had never lost a German Cup game under coach Xabi Alonso, jumped ahead in the 17th minute thanks to Jonathan Tah’s precise tap-in from a corner. But the sparks flew just three minutes later when Marius Woerl leveled the score with a low drive past the keeper.
The momentum shifted further in Bielefeld’s favor on the stroke of halftime, when Maximilian Grosser’s close-range volley completed their comeback. Despite Bayer Leverkusen’s persistent pressure – highlighted by Patrik Schick’s 81st-minute header that hit the post – the visitors held firm.
Coach Michel Kniat expressed his pride after the match: "I am so proud of the team. The whole region is feeling this. No one will be sleeping tonight. We defended with a lot of passion and that was the key. We worked extremely hard." Meanwhile, Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich admitted that his team simply did not perform to their usual standards, acknowledging the mistakes that cost them the game.
The dramatic victory sets the stage for an exhilarating final, as Bielefeld becomes the fourth third-tier side to reach the German Cup final. Fans and neutrals alike are already buzzing in anticipation of what promises to be a memorable showdown.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
