In a thrilling matchup in the 3. Liga, Arminia Bielefeld is set to host Hansa Rostock on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 14:00 in the Schüco-Arena. This encounter marks the 34th matchday of the season, and both teams are eager to secure crucial points in their quest for promotion.
Arminia Bielefeld, currently sitting second in the league with 59 points, has been on a remarkable run lately. The team is riding high after their stunning DFB-Pokal victory against Bayer Leverkusen, where they triumphed 2:1 to reach the final. Coach Mitch Kniat's squad has also claimed three consecutive league victories against Alemannia Aachen (1:0), SV Wehen Wiesbaden (4:2), and Viktoria Köln (2:0), demonstrating their determination to challenge for the top spot.
With just a few matches remaining, Bielefeld is keen to capitalize on their momentum and potentially leapfrog league leaders Dynamo Dresden, who play FC Saarbrücken on Sunday. Kniat expressed confidence in his team's ability to maintain their winning streak, stating, "If we deliver, we stay up there." The stakes are undeniably high as the season approaches its climax.
On the other side, Hansa Rostock, currently positioned sixth with 51 points, is also in the mix for promotion. With only five points separating them from the playoff spots, a victory against Bielefeld would significantly bolster their chances. Rostock has shown solid form in recent weeks, securing wins over VfL Osnabrück (1:0) and SC Verl (4:0). Coach's tactical adjustments have paid off, and they aim to extend their winning streak to three matches.
The historical context adds another layer to this matchup. In the previous 22 encounters between Bielefeld and Rostock, the latter has had the upper hand with 11 victories, compared to Bielefeld's six. Interestingly, Rostock has won the last three meetings, including a 2:1 win in the first leg of this season, which adds to the rivalry's intensity.
Fans can catch the action live as the NDR broadcasts the game for free, starting at 13:55. For those preferring to stream the match, a free livestream is available on sportschau.de and in the ARD-Mediathek. Additionally, Magenta Sport will provide full coverage, including pre-match analysis beginning at 13:45, with Julian Engelhard commenting and Stefan Fuckert moderating. For fans without a subscription, OneFootball offers a pay-per-view option.
As the teams prepare for kickoff, the atmosphere in the Schüco-Arena is expected to be electric. Both sets of supporters are eager to see their teams push for the crucial points that could define their respective seasons. With Bielefeld aiming to solidify their promotion hopes and Rostock striving to break into the playoff positions, this match promises to be a thrilling contest.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on Bielefeld as they look to continue their impressive form and challenge for the top of the table. Will they be able to overcome the historical dominance of Hansa Rostock, or will the visitors extend their winning streak against the home side? One thing is for sure: this game is not to be missed.