In a tense showdown on March 19, 2025, Arminia Bielefeld narrowly secured a place in the final of the Westfalenpokal, triumphing over Sportfreunde Siegen with a 1-0 victory in the semi-finals.
The match took place at the Leimbachstadion in Siegen, where around 7,838 supporters witnessed a hard-fought contest. The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Merveille Biankadi, a substitute brought on to impact the game, struck the only goal of the match. This late goal not only solidified Bielefeld's pathway to the final but amplified their hopes of capturing the prestigious Westfalenpokal and securing a place in the upcoming DFB-Pokal, which rewards the victors with a substantial opportunity at nationwide recognition.
This nail-biting encounter was characterized by an intense back-and-forth dynamic. Surprisingly, it was the home team, Sportfreunde Siegen, who appeared more robust in the initial stages of the game. Early on, Derrick Kyere challenged Bielefeld's defense with a diagonal shot that barely missed the target in just the second minute, providing a clear signal of Siegen's intent.
From the starting whistle, Siegen demonstrated confidence and aggression, not allowing the higher-league club from Bielefeld to settle into their game. The first half ended without a single goal, with the teams going into recess after having showcased equal measures of defensive vigor and offensive attempts.
As the second half unfolded, Bielefeld made tactical adjustments. The notable addition of Nassim Boujellab made an immediate impact for Bielefeld. After just six minutes on the pitch, Boujellab found himself in a prime scoring opportunity, thwarted only by a fine save from Siegen’s keeper, Leon Klußmann. He then hit the crossbar moments later, underlining Bielefeld's mounting pressure on the Siegen defense.
Despite Bielefeld maintaining better possession as the match progressed, they struggled to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. On several occasions, their attempts were thwarted, with Siegen’s defense, particularly Ticha and Mayer, rising to the occasion to keep the scores level. A critical moment came in the 62nd minute when Klußmann dropped a routine catch, only for defender Florian Mayer to recover and clear the ball off the line, preserving Siegen’s hopes.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium escalated. With the game seemingly headed towards a draw, Merveille Biankadi turned the tide with a superb strike from outside the box in the 85th minute, sending the Bielefeld fans into a frenzy. The goal was not only a relief for Bielefeld but a testament to their resilience and determination after what was largely a frustrating night in front of goal.
The final whistle confirmed Bielefeld's narrow passage to the Westfalenpokal final, marking them as the first team to secure a place in the coveted match-up.
Arminia Bielefeld’s coach, Mitch Kniat, expressed mixed feelings about the performance, highlighting the challenges presented by Siegen. "The Oberliga side delivered a robust challenge," Kniat remarked post-match, noting that his team had to dig deep to secure the win. Moving forward, Bielefeld will face either SV Rödinghausen or Sportfreunde Lotte, who will meet on April 16 to determine who will contest the final against them.
As Bielefeld gears up for the remainder of this knockout tournament, they are also set to clash with Bayer Leverkusen in a significant league tie on April 1, further adding to the excitement surrounding the club as they strive for both cup glory and a strong league performance.
Meanwhile, Sportfreunde Siegen can hold their heads high despite the loss. Having battled valiantly against a professional opponent, they left the pitch with pride, showcasing their skills and resilience in front of their home crowd. They are scheduled to resume their Oberliga campaign against Gievenbeck on March 29, seeking to maintain their strong position in the league.
In a match defined by tenacity and close calls, Bielefeld’s late-winner marked the culmination of a challenging battle, setting the stage for an intriguing final in the Westfalenpokal.
