The DFB-Pokal is heating up as the semi-finals approach, with thrilling matchups set for April 1 and April 2, 2025. This year's tournament has seen its fair share of surprises, and fans are eager to see if underdogs can continue to defy expectations.
On Tuesday night, Arminia Bielefeld, a third-division team, will take on the reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen in what promises to be a captivating clash. The match is reminiscent of classic cup upsets, with Bielefeld having already eliminated Bundesliga teams such as Werder Bremen, SC Freiburg, and Union Berlin on their way to the semi-finals. They will need to summon every ounce of determination as they face a formidable Leverkusen side that enters the match as the clear favorite.
The action kicks off at 20:45 CEST, with live coverage on ARD. Fans can also catch the live stream on the ARD-Mediathek or the ARD website, ensuring that no one misses a moment of this exciting encounter.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will see VfB Stuttgart face RB Leipzig in the second semi-final. Stuttgart, under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeneß, has struggled recently, entering the match with a series of winless games. In contrast, Leipzig has recently parted ways with coach Marco Rose, appointing Zsolt Löw as the new head coach just in time for this crucial fixture. Stuttgart will be looking to capitalize on their recent head-to-head success against Leipzig, having won their last two encounters with scores of 2-1 and 5-2.
This match is equally crucial for Stuttgart, as a victory would secure them a place in the final and a shot at European competition, despite their league struggles. The match will also kick off at 20:45 CEST, with live coverage on ZDF starting at 20:15. Fans can also watch via the ZDF-Mediathek or on Sky, which is broadcasting both semi-finals.
For those who prefer pay-TV options, Sky will air both matches in full, allowing viewers to catch every moment of the action. The commentary team for the Bielefeld vs. Leverkusen match features Christina Graf, with Esther Sedlaczek and Bastian Schweinsteiger providing insights ahead of kickoff. On the other side, Oliver Schmidt will commentate on the Stuttgart vs. Leipzig game, with Katrin Müller-Hohenstein and expert Friederike Kromp joining him for analysis.
As the DFB-Pokal continues to deliver surprises, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of these semi-finals. With a place in the final on the line, both matchups promise to be thrilling spectacles. The DFB-Pokal final is set to take place on May 24, 2025, in Berlin, where the winners of these semi-finals will compete for the coveted trophy.
In the lead-up to the semi-finals, the excitement is palpable. Bielefeld's remarkable journey through the tournament has captured the hearts of fans, and they are ready to take on the challenge posed by Leverkusen. Can they pull off yet another upset? Meanwhile, Stuttgart's aspirations for silverware hinge on their performance against Leipzig, who will be determined to secure their spot in the final for the third consecutive year.
As we gear up for these pivotal matches, the stage is set for an unforgettable DFB-Pokal semi-final. Will the favorites prevail, or will the underdogs continue to make waves? Tune in to find out!
