Bayer Leverkusen fell to a sensational shock 2-1 defeat in opposition to third-tier facet Arminia Bielefeld within the DFB-Pokal.
The reigning Bundesliga champions, who additionally gained the German FA Cup final season, considerably cruised to the German Cup semi-finals and would have been favourites to advance.
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Nevertheless, Arminia upset the chances and pulled off a shocking win at their Bielefelder Alm stadium on Tuesday evening.
Because the full-time whistle was blown, gamers ran onto the turf to congratulate their teammates on their well-known win, with some supporters additionally making it onto the pitch.
Jonathan Tah opened the scoring for holders Leverkusen on 17 minutes however their 3. Liga hosts equalised quickly after by way of Marius Worl.
A primary half stoppage-time aim from Maximilian Grosser had Arminia main on the break and in the end turned the winner.
Throughout half time, European soccer skilled and common talkSPORT pundit Kevin Hatchard revealed the magnitude of the scoreline.
“This might be one of many largest shocks in German soccer historical past,” he mentioned on X, earlier than the full-time whistle blew for the shock outcome.
“Unimaginable,” Hatchard mirrored afterwards. “Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld have knocked out the DFB-Pokal holders Bayer Leverkusen, the fourth time they’ve crushed a Bundesliga workforce within the competitors this season.
“They absolutely deserved to succeed in the ultimate. Superb.“
Arminia final performed within the Bundesliga in the course of the 2021/22 season however back-to-back relegations have despatched them into the third tier.
They’re at present fourth in 3. Liga and 5 factors off the highest two computerized promotion spots which might seal a 2. Bundesliga return.
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Michél Kniat’s facet gained simply one in every of their final seven matches in opposition to Leverkusen forward of their DFB-Pokal semi-final conflict.
Nevertheless, regardless of them going through opposition from two leagues above, it is Arminia who’ve reached the ultimate.
They may face both Stuttgart or RB Leipzig on Could 24.
Leverkusen however have missed out on the chance to win extra silverware below Xabi Alonso.
They gained the DFL-Supercup originally of the season however look more and more unlikely to defend their Bundesliga crown.
With seven league matches remaining, Leverkusen are six factors adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
Alonso’s facet have been additionally knocked out of the Champions League on the final 16 play-off stage by dropping 5-0 on combination to Bayern.