- Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen suffered a stunning 2:1 defeat to third-division Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-finals.
- The hosts reached the final for the first time in their history and became the only lower-league side to eliminate four Bundesliga clubs in one tournament
- Bayer delivered one of their weakest performances under Xabi Alonso
Key Takeaways:
Holders Bayer Leverkusen sensationally crashed out of the DFB-Pokal at the semi-final stage after a 2:1 loss to third-division Arminia Bielefeld. The upset unfolded in front of a stunned crowd as Xabi Alonso’s team, who are also defending their Bundesliga title, were outplayed and outclassed by their spirited hosts.
🚨🇩🇪 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | 3rd division side Arminia Bielefeld BEAT Bayer Leverkusen to make the DFB Pokal final! 🏆✨
They'll play Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final…
If they win the final, they'll earn automatic qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League! Wow. 😳🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/Flh8pm4rXB
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 1, 2025
Leverkusen initially looked on track for a routine win when Jonathan Tah gave them the lead in the 17th minute. However, Arminia responded almost immediately, with Marius Worl levelling the score just three minutes later. Then, in the added time of the first period, Maximilian Grosser completed the comeback to make it 2:1 in favour of the underdogs.
The hosts held firm in the second half and even created opportunities to extend their lead. Leverkusen, in contrast, lacked cohesion and energy, delivering one of their weakest showings under Alonso.
Arminia’s win was more than just a one-off shock. With their run to the final, they became the first team outside the Bundesliga to knock out four top-tier sides in the same German Cup campaign — a unique accomplishment in the tournament’s history.
The victory booked Arminia Bielefeld a place in the final in Berlin on 24 May, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Stuttgart and RB Leipzig.