Giant-killing continues as Bielefeld roll past Bremen into Pokal final-four

Arminia Bielefeld have upset the apple cart yet again by dumping Werder Bremen out of the DfB Pokal on a 2-1 scoreline.

Fearless and spirited 3.Liga side Arminia Bielefeld have secured passage to the semi-finals of the DfB Pokal with victory over Werder Bremen tonight.

The opening half-hour passed by with relatively little fuss as Bielefeld took a physical and disruptive approach to unsettling the favourites. 

Aside from two somewhat speculative attempts taken on by Marvin Ducksch and André Silva, Bremen struggled to punch holes in the host’s rearguard. 

Ole Werner’s team was dealt a sudden blow when the aforementioned Ducksch was forced off with a suspected injury to his right thigh. Justin Njinmah took his place. 

Suddenly, the hosts took the lead in what would be a handful of minutes to forget for Julian Maltini. The Argentine surrendered possession to Julian Wörl who plunged the ball into the right corner via some help from the post.

Four minutes out from the break and Bielefeld extended their lead to 2-0. Malatini’s sliced clearance turned Stefano Russo’s cross into Michael Zetterer’s net for an own-goal. The SchücoArena erupted in celebration. 

Die Werderaner made a marked improvement after the interval with substitute Oliver Burke making an instant impact. The Scottish forward beat Kersken with a convincing strike to cut the deficit after Roberts Uldrikis’ earlier mistake. 

Although Christopher Lannert had his shot saved by Zetterer on the hour, the next best chance fell to Njinmah. The ex-BVB attacker thrashed a 15-yard volley inches past Kersken’s upright. 

Head coach Werner did his level best to try and pry that coveted place in the last four from Bielefeld’s grasp. The 3.Liga club, whose run of giant-killing performances had battle hardened them, would not cave. 

Sam Schreck though he had sealed victory on the counter as he tapped home. A VAR review spotted a clear foul in the build-up by Grodowski which cut short celebrations – but not for long.

Robert Hartmann’s whistle sounded after 7 long minutes of injury time. Cries of ‘Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Bielefeld!’ echoed from the terraces as head coach Mitch Kniat and his assistants embraced in the dugout.