Arminia Bielefeld Shock Bayer Leverkusen to Reach German Cup Final
Third-division side Arminia Bielefeld pulled off a sensational upset by defeating reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 to book their place in the final of the German Cup.
Despite falling behind early, Bielefeld rallied to become the first club from outside the top two tiers to eliminate four Bundesliga teams in a single cup campaign. Previously, they had knocked out Union Berlin, Freiburg, and Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen looked in control when Jonathan Tah opened the scoring in the 17th minute. But Bielefeld hit back almost immediately, with Marius Wörl leveling just three minutes later with a precise low finish past Lukas Hradecky.
Maximilian Großer then completed the comeback with a sharp close-range volley before halftime, sealing Leverkusen’s first German Cup loss under manager Xabi Alonso.
“We didn’t need any luck—we were aggressive and confident from the start,” said Arminia head coach Michel Kniat. “Normally, I wouldn’t have a drink with the players, but tonight is an exception. Nobody in this city will be sleeping!”
Bielefeld, who currently sit fourth in Germany’s third division, have endured a rollercoaster journey. After earning promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020 following an 11-year absence, they were relegated again two seasons later, and in 2023 dropped into the third tier after losing a relegation play-off.
Now, they join a select group of third-tier teams to reach the German Cup final, following in the footsteps of Union Berlin (2001), Energie Cottbus (1997), and Hertha Berlin’s reserve team (1993).
Arminia will face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final, with the second semi-final scheduled for Wednesday.
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