Bielefeld, Germany – As the clock ticks down to kick-off, Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso is preparing his team for a challenging encounter in the DFB-Pokal-Halbfinale against Arminia Bielefeld. The match is set to take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 20:45 Uhr, and is already generating buzz as the sold-out stadium anticipates an electrifying atmosphere.
Leverkusen enters this match as the clear favorite, having claimed the double last season. However, Alonso is not taking anything for granted. "The cup is a crazy competition," he stated, acknowledging the unpredictability that often accompanies knockout tournaments. The pressure is palpable, especially with the team currently sitting six points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. For Leverkusen, the DFB-Pokal represents their best chance to secure silverware this season.
Despite their favored status, Alonso cautioned against underestimating their opponents. Arminia Bielefeld, currently competing in the third division, has already eliminated three Bundesliga teams from the tournament, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. "We expect a great opponent," Alonso remarked, highlighting the challenges posed by the home side.
Missing from Leverkusen's squad will be their star player Florian Wirtz, who is sidelined due to injury. However, Nathan Tella is set to make his return, providing a boost to the squad. Alonso expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, "We are ready," and emphasizing the need for his players to bring their "head, heart, and passion" to the match.
The atmosphere at the Bielefelder Alm is renowned, and Alonso is eager to experience it firsthand. He compared it to his time at Liverpool, where he played from 2004 to 2009. "Liverpool is Liverpool and Arminia is Arminia. Both are great clubs. I have great respect for them. They deserve to be in the semifinals after defeating three Bundesliga teams," he explained.
Leverkusen's defense will be anchored by German international Jonathan Tah, who stressed the importance of taking the match seriously. "This is an everything-or-nothing game," Tah noted, recognizing the significance of the encounter for both teams. He also reflected on the challenges of playing at Bielefeld, stating, "You can't underestimate the power these teams have, especially at home. For Arminia, this is probably the game of the season. It can be very dangerous if you don't approach the task with the necessary focus and seriousness."
In their last outing, Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory against VfL Bochum, a performance that restored confidence after a recent dip in form. Alonso has been experimenting with his attacking lineup, opting to play both Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface together. This tactical shift has paid dividends, with Leverkusen scoring seven goals in their last two matches where the duo started together.
The stakes are high for Leverkusen, as a loss to the third-division side would be seen as a significant setback and could overshadow their season. The team is fully aware of the implications of this match, and Alonso has made it clear that there is no room for complacency. "We need to show dominance from the start," he asserted, urging his players to deliver a strong performance.
As the day of the match approaches, the excitement builds not only among the players but also among the fans. Bielefeld supporters are planning a march through the city to rally enthusiasm for their team, creating a vibrant pre-match atmosphere. The stadium, with a capacity of 26,500, will be filled to the brim with passionate fans, including 3,200 Leverkusen supporters who will travel to cheer on their team.
In the context of the DFB-Pokal, this match is more than just a game; it's a chance for Leverkusen to reaffirm their status as title contenders while simultaneously challenging Bielefeld's underdog spirit. Both teams are poised for a fierce battle, with everything on the line.
With the atmosphere heating up and both teams ready to fight for a spot in the final, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Bielefelder Alm. As Alonso aptly put it, this is indeed an "everything-or-nothing" game, and the outcome will resonate far beyond the pitch.
