Bayer Leverkusen fell to a sensational shock 2-1 defeat against third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal.
The reigning Bundesliga champions, who also won the German FA Cup last season, somewhat cruised to the German Cup semi-finals and would have been favourites to advance.
It was ecstasy at full timeAFP Can the third division side do the unthinkable and win the whole thing?GettyHowever, Arminia upset the odds and pulled off a stunning win at their Bielefelder Alm stadium on Tuesday night.
As the full-time whistle was blown, players ran onto the turf to congratulate their teammates on their famous win, with some supporters also making it onto the pitch.
Jonathan Tah opened the scoring for holders Leverkusen on 17 minutes but their 3. Liga hosts equalised soon after via Marius Worl.
A first half stoppage-time goal from Maximilian Grosser had Arminia leading at the break and ultimately became the winner.
During half time, European football expert and regular talkSPORT pundit Kevin Hatchard revealed the magnitude of the scoreline.
“This would be one of the biggest shocks in German football history,” he said on X, before the full-time whistle blew for the shock result.
“Incredible,” Hatchard reflected afterwards. “Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld have knocked out the DFB-Pokal holders Bayer Leverkusen, the fourth time they’ve beaten a Bundesliga team in the competition this season.
“They fully deserved to reach the final. Amazing.“
Arminia last played in the Bundesliga during the 2021/22 season but back-to-back relegations have sent them into the third tier.
They are currently fourth in 3. Liga and five points off the top two automatic promotion spots which would seal a 2. Bundesliga return.
Leverkusen led their DFB-Pokal semi-final clash early onGetty But Arminia came back to shock German football to seal an amazing 2-1 winAFP Leverkusen are set for a trophyless seasonAFPView Tweet: t.co/3rLCFHpXVD
Michél Kniat’s side won just one of their last seven matches against Leverkusen ahead of their DFB-Pokal semi-final clash.
However, despite them facing opposition from two leagues above, it’s Arminia who have reached the final.
They will face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig on May 24.
Leverkusen on the other hand have missed out on the opportunity to win more silverware under Xabi Alonso.
They won the DFL-Supercup at the beginning of the season but look increasingly unlikely to defend their Bundesliga crown.
With seven league matches remaining, Leverkusen are six points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
Alonso’s side were also knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 play-off stage by losing 5-0 on aggregate to Bayern.
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