Bielefeld shocks Leverkusen to secure spot in DFB-Pokal final.
Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over defending DFB-Pokal champions Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, overturning a deficit to book their place in the final. Bielefeld, who have knocked out four Bundesliga teams in consecutive rounds, became only the fourth third-tier side to reach the final.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team,” said Bielefeld coach Michél Kniat. “The entire region is celebrating. No one will be sleeping tonight. Our passionate defending was key, and we worked incredibly hard.”
Leverkusen, who had never lost a DFB-Pokal match under Xabi Alonso, took the lead in the 17th minute when Jonathan Tah scored from a corner. However, Bielefeld responded just three minutes later, with Marius Wörl finding the net with a low shot past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Hradecky made an incredible save to deny Sarenren Bazee’s point-blank effort, but Bielefeld’s comeback was complete just before halftime when Maximilian Grosser volleyed home from close range. The hosts continued to push in the second half, creating multiple chances, while Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick hit the post with an 81st-minute header.
“We didn’t show any of our usual strengths,” said Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich. “We couldn’t make an impact upfront and made far too many mistakes defensively. It was definitely our worst game of the season, and we have to accept that we messed it up.” Stuttgart will face RB Leipzig in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
In the Coupe de France, Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to defeat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 and reach the final, aiming for a record-extending 16th title. Dunkerque, making their first-ever semi-final appearance, took the lead through Vincent Sasso’s tap-in and doubled their advantage with a volley from Muhannad Yahya al-Saad.
PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back just before halftime with a powerful strike, and Marquinhos equalised early in the second half with a header from Dembélé’s cross. Désiré Doué then put PSG ahead with a deflected shot, and Dembélé sealed the comeback in stoppage time, netting his 32nd goal of the season.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Thijs Dallinga scored a brace to help Bologna secure a 3-0 win at Empoli in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final. Riccardo Orsolini gave Bologna the lead, followed by Dallinga’s first goal from a perfect pass by Dan Ndoye. Dallinga added a second after the break, finishing another assist from Ndoye.
Bologna, who have won the Coppa Italia twice, last claimed the title in 1974. After this dominant performance, their supporters will already be looking ahead to the final in May. The winner of this tie will face either Milan or Inter, who meet in the other semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
