Leverkusen stunned by third-tier Bielefeld in German Cup

Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld shocked defending champions Bayer Leverkusen. They won 2-1 to reach the German Cup final.

Bielefeld came back from a goal down. They became the first team outside the top two divisions to eliminate four Bundesliga teams in one season.

Currently, Bielefeld is fourth in Germany's third division. They previously defeated Union Berlin, Freiburg, and Werder Bremen.

Leverkusen scored first in the 17th minute. Jonathan Tah found the net, but Bielefeld equalized just three minutes later. Marius Worl struck a low shot past keeper Lukas Hradecky.

Maximilian Grosser added another goal before halftime. His close-range volley completed Bielefeld's comeback and marked Leverkusen's first German Cup loss under manager Xabi Alonso.

Bielefeld's boss Michel Kniat said they didn't need luck. He noted they were aggressive throughout the match. Kniat joked he would celebrate with his players tonight.

He added that "nobody will go to sleep in this city tonight."

Bielefeld returned to the Bundesliga in 2020 after an 11-year absence. However, they were relegated two seasons later and dropped to the third tier in 2023 after losing a play-off.

They are now the fourth third-division team to reach the German Cup final. Previous teams include Union Berlin (2001), Energie Cottbus (1997), and Hertha Berlin's reserve team (1993).

In the final, Bielefeld will face another Bundesliga side. Stuttgart or RB Leipzig will compete in Wednesday’s semi-final for that spot.