DFB-Pokal | Semi-Finals

Apr 1, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

SchucoArena

Arminia Bielefeld vs B. Leverkusen

Match preview

Arminia Bielefeld were lucky against Werder Bremen to have more than 1.5 xG and three good chances, but they also had to rely on the woodwork to score twice despite only managing three shots from inside the area.

To their credit, the hosts had to overcome three Bundesliga sides in successive rounds to reach the semi-finals, scoring seven times and conceding just twice.

Coach Michel Kniat's side currently sit fourth in the third tier with 50 points from 30 games, just one point behind third-placed Saarbrücken, who occupy the promotion play-off spot.

Arminia Bielefeld's build-up to Tuesday's game could not have gone much better, with seven wins and just one defeat in their last nine matches.

They are also unbeaten in five home games, winning four of them, and have won four consecutive DFB-Pokal games at the SchucoArena.

Leverkusen trailed 2-0 to FC Koln in the 54th minute and, had it not been for Patrik Schick's equaliser six minutes into second-half stoppage time, the reigning DFB-Pokal champions would have been eliminated.

The visit of Arminia Bielefeld will be the fourth time in their five games in the competition that they have faced a team from a lower division, although they did beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the last eight on 3 December.

The black-and-whites are second in the Bundesliga on 59 points, six behind leaders Bayern with seven rounds of matches remaining.

Xabi Alonso's side beat VfL Bochum 3-1 on Friday and have scored seven goals in their last two games, having failed to score in their previous three.

Leverkusen are on a two-game winning streak but have lost their last three matches, conceding seven goals in the process.

Alonso's side have been hard to beat away from home, winning seven, drawing two and losing just two of their last 11 away games, with the two defeats coming in the Champions League.

Recent Performance

Arminia Bielefeld DFB-Pokal form:WWWW

Arminia Bielefeld form (all competitions):WLWWWD

Bayer Leverkusen DFB-Pokal form:WWWW

Bayer Leverkusen form (all competitions):WLLLWW

Team News

Arminia Bielefeld could field a similar starting XI to the one that beat Werder Bremen, with centre-backs Leon Schneider and Joel Felix likely to start in front of goalkeeper Jonas Thomas Kersken.

Sam Schreck and Stefano Russo could form a double pivot, while striker Julian Kania could be supported by attacking midfielder Mael Corboz.

As for Leverkusen, they will travel to the SchucoArena with a depleted forward line, with Martin Terrier and Nathan Tella unavailable, while Florian Wirtz is also a doubt.

Alonso may be forced to field an attack that includes Amine Adli, Aleix Garcia and Schick ahead of midfielders Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios.

Defenders Edmond Tapsoba, Mario Hermoso and Jeanuel Belocian have also been ruled out, with Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah and Nordi Mukiele likely to start at the back.

Possible starting lineup

Arminia Bielefeld possible starting lineup:

Kersken; Lannert, Schneider, Felix, Oppie; Schreck, Russo; Kunze, Corboz, Worl; Kania

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Adli, Garcia; Schick