Arminia Bielefeld has triumphed over yet another Bundesliga rival in the 2024/25 DFB Pokal, securing their place in the semi-finals with a remarkable 2-1 victory against Werder Bremen at the SchucoArena.
Having already taken out three higher-ranked teams in this season’s DFB Pokal, Arminia arrived with a renewed confidence against top-flight opposition Werder. However, Die Werderaner managed to stay resolute despite overpowering pressure from Die Blauen’s array of crosses.
After surviving a potentially tricky first 15 minutes, Bremen began to create their own chances. A low cross from Marvin Ducksch called for a crucial last-ditch intervention from Jonas Kersken, preventing a lurking Andre Silva from capitalising.
Arminia began to find their footing, with their once-fruitless crosses starting to yield results. Joel Felix came close with a diving header that narrowly missed finding the top corner.
Suddenly, Die Blauen had Werder on the back foot when a hesitant Julián Malatini gifted the ball to Marius Worl, who sprinted into the box unchallenged to slot home the opener off the post.
In a frenetic final 10 minutes of the first half, Arminia extended their lead as Malatini inadvertently volleyed Stefano Russo’s whipped cross into his own net.
With six German Cup titles under their belt, Werder knew they needed to react after the break, and Ole Werner’s substitutions quickly made an impact.
Leonardo Bittencourt’s clever chip over the Arminia defence found Oliver Burke, who smashed a half-volley high into the net, leaving Kersken with no chance.
Arminia stood firm as Die Werderaner pushed for an equaliser, desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat. The visitors, however, struggled to maintain their composure, with Justin Njinmah firing wide from close range.
Cheered on by their passionate home supporters, Arminia defended resolutely in the final minutes, surviving a late scare when Amos Pieper struck the crossbar.
Although a disallowed goal for the hosts in stoppage time could have altered the outcome, it proved inconsequential as they celebrated a historic victory, reaching their first DFB Pokal semi-final since the 2014/15 season.
This defeat will sting for Werner’s side, as they face their longest losing streak since March 2024, highlighting their ongoing struggles.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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