DFB Pokal: Bayer Leverkusen suffer shock cup exit to third-tier side Bielefeld

Xabi Alonso’s side was heavily favored to reach their second successive final but was outclassed from start to finish by their underdog opponents.

The hosts hit back almost immediately; however, Woerl took advantage of a sloppy clearance attempt by Piero Hincapie to curl the ball home.

As the half wore on, Leverkusen were unable to make their possession count, with Bielefeld fast and threatening on the counter.

The hosts once again caught Leverkusen napping to take the lead moments before halftime, Grosser hammering in a Louis Oppie free kick from close range.

Bielefeld continued to out-energize their opponents, fighting in the duels and giving Leverkusen few chances to drag themselves back into the game.

Patrick Schick, so often Leverkusen’s late hero over the past two seasons, had a chance to level the scores while unmarked after 81 minutes but hit a header against the post.

This is a huge let-off for Alonso’s side, considering their exit from Europe to rivals Bayern Munich. 

With this exit, the focus can be shifted to the Bundesliga race as Leverkusen looks to pile the pressure on leaders Bayern.

This year’s German Cup is one of the more open in recent memory, with recent champions Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Eintracht Frankfurt all suffering early eliminations from the competition.

As for Bielefeld, they are currently occupying the fourth position in Germany’s third division with eight rounds remaining. Only the top three have a chance of promotion, with the top two going straight up to the second division.

On Wednesday, RB Leipzig play away at Stuttgart in the other semifinal.

Leipzig, who have won two of the past three German Cups, will be managed by interim coach Zsolt Low, who took over after Marco Rose was sacked on Sunday.