Arminia Bielefeld shocks Werder Bremen in DFB-Pokal Quarterfinals

Arminia Bielefeld continues its impressive run in the DFB-Pokal by eliminating Werder Bremen and advancing to the semifinals. The third-division team achieved a surprising 2-1 victory over the Bundesliga side in a hard-fought quarterfinal match.

With this win, Bielefeld can now dream of reaching the final in Berlin, while Werder Bremen sinks deeper into crisis. Under the guidance of coach Ole Werner, Bremen has managed to win only one out of nine competitive matches this year, following a humiliating 5-0 loss to SC Freiburg just four days prior.

In front of 26,601 fans at the Bielefelder Alm, Marius Wörl scored the first goal in the 35th minute, followed by an own goal from Julián Malatini in the 41st minute. Bremen’s Oliver Burke found the net in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit, but it was not enough.

With their advancement to the semifinals, Bielefeld will receive an additional prize of approximately 3.35 million euros. They will learn their opponent for the potential final match on April 1 or 2, during the ARD sports show lottery at 6:45 PM. The final is scheduled for May 24 at the Berlin Olympic Stadium.

Arminia’s Strong Start

Coach Werner had anticipated a tough match, stating that the opponent would demand everything from his team. From the outset, Bielefeld proved him right. The home team was aggressive in their tackles and well-organized tactically, effectively closing down spaces around their penalty area during prolonged periods of Bremen possession. Whenever Bremen lost the ball in Bielefeld’s half, the hosts quickly counter-pressed to prevent fast breaks.

Although Bremen appeared to have more control in the early stages, they failed to create significant scoring opportunities. Notably, striker Marvin Ducksch was forced to leave the match with an injury after just half an hour.

Bielefeld became increasingly offensive. Defender Joel Felix missed a header from a short corner, but Wörl capitalized on a mistake by Malatini, stealing the ball near the Bremen penalty area and firing it into the far corner. The crowd erupted in celebration.

The home team continued to push, and although Bremen’s goalkeeper Michael Zetterer made a remarkable save on a free kick from Stefano Russo, he was helpless shortly after when Malatini inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net.

Bremen’s Attempted Comeback

In the second half, Bremen intensified their efforts. Justin Njinmah missed a clear opportunity against Bielefeld’s keeper Jonas Kersken, but Burke lifted the spirits of traveling Werder fans by scoring after a mistake in Bielefeld’s buildup play.

The match was now wide open, with Bremen pressing for an equalizer. Bielefeld had opportunities to counterattack but squandered several chances. In the second minute of stoppage time, Bielefeld held its breath as former player Amos Pieper hit the crossbar. Ultimately, Bielefeld held on to its slim lead and celebrated its fourth appearance in the semifinals in club history.