In an unprecedented display of enthusiasm for women's football, the DFB-Pokal-Halbfinale between Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen is taking place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 15:30 in the Volksparkstadion. With a record-setting crowd of 57,000 tickets sold, this event marks a historic moment as the largest attendance for a women's football match in Germany at the club level.
As the atmosphere builds in Hamburg, fans are eagerly anticipating the thrilling rivalry between these two northern clubs. Estimates suggest at least 8,000 Werder supporters will be present, with some figures indicating more than 10,000 will cheer for their team, creating an electric ambiance within the stadium.
At the helm of Werder Bremen is coach Thomas Horsch, who not only brings a tactical approach to the game but also has the valuable support of his family. Horsch will be joined on the sidelines by his son Lucas, who serves as co-trainer, while his wife and son Jonas, the goalkeeper for Werder II, provide additional encouragement.
Among the players, Larissa Mühlhaus stands out as she returns to the Volksparkstadion where she once cheered for the HSV men's team. After beginning her career with HSV, Mühlhaus made the pivotal switch to SV Werder in 2024. She reflects on her emotional experience, stating, "I am incredibly glad to have this opportunity. As a child, I went there with my family to watch the men's games.” The match will undoubtedly be a significant chapter in her career.
The DFB-Pokal has a history of upsets, and this match could mark the beginning of a new era. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has already confirmed their spot in the upcoming final on May 1, 2025, in Köln, after a remarkable comeback against Hoffenheim, winning 3-2 from a 0-2 deficit.
Historically, Werder Bremen's women's squad boasts three titles in the Bremer Landespokal, but a DFB-Pokal title remains elusive. Winning this year would represent a novel achievement for the team, marking their first title in the prestigious cup. Coach Horsch brings enthusiasm and ambition to the clash, as he emphasizes the importance of this game for his players, who are eager to crack into the next stage of the competition.
As the first half of the match unfolds, the atmosphere is charged. Both teams are performing evenly, with numerous opportunities presenting themselves but no clear leader emerging on the scoreboard. The game remains scoreless at halftime, a reflection of the evenly matched confrontation. The intensity of the gameplay highlights both teams’ determination, with Werder currently perched in eighth place in their league while HSV contends in the second division.
As the players return for the second half, the match takes a dramatic turn. In the 53rd minute, a key moment occurs when Matheis of Werder Bremen receives a second yellow card, resulting in a red card that dramatically reduces her team to ten players. The implications of this foul ripple through the momentum of the match, allowing HSV to seize control.
Throughout the second half, the energy shifts as Hamburg capitalizes on their numerical advantage, pressing harder against the Werder goal. This initial excitement assumed by Hamburg fluctuated as the intensity of play escalated, with both teams battling fiercely. The players are feeling the pressure of their fans, and as the final moments approach, it becomes clear that the stakes have never been higher.
Despite the challenges faced, both clubs focus intensely on their strategies, showcasing the skill and resilience of their athletes on this historical day in German women’s football. As the clock ticks down, the match remains in suspense, with both teams displaying remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Amidst this riveting atmosphere, the playoff potential unfold beyond the stadium. The winner of this match will move on to challenge Bayern Munich in the cup final, a thrilling prospect that has fans and players anxious with excitement. For the royal green side, seizing victory would ensure not only historical success but also provide much fanfare as they chase their dreams.
Bayern Munich’s remarkable comeback this weekend has set the tone for an invigorating finale, but it’s crucial for Werder Bremen to focus solely on their challenge with HSV. The women’s team at Werder is determined to make their mark and step into the limelight.
Mr. Horsch’s efforts will be all the more crucial as the game goes on. Every minute counts in this tightly contested battle where each team aims to capture the glory that comes from winning a place in the DFB-Pokal final. And with this being a record-breaking occasion for women's football in Germany, both clubs have their eyes firmly set on creating a memorable legacy.
As this intense encounter continues, Hamburg fans anticipate their potential triumph over their opponents, while the Werder Bremen supporters rally behind their players, weaving a tale of passion and rivalry reflecting the growing importance of women’s football in the national sporting scene. This match could turn out to be a pivotal chapter in establishing the future of women's football in Germany.
Indeed, the excitement surrounding this match not only signals a growing acknowledgment of women's sports but also ignites hope for greater achievements in the gender landscape of football. Regardless of the outcome, both teams have shown that they are forces to reckon with, on and off the field, in this historic clash.
