Record-Breaking Attendance At Women’s DFB-Pokal Semi-Final

The historic DFB-Pokal Frauen semi-final between Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen is set to make waves in German football this weekend, with a record-breaking 57,000 fans expected at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion. This monumental matchup on March 23, 2025, not only marks a significant milestone for women's sports but also showcases the growing popularity and commitment to the women's game across the nation.

For the first time in history, the two teams will face each other in a competitive match, adding another layer of excitement to an already thrilling fixture. The sheer size of the crowd reflects the increasing support for women's football in Germany, a sport that has often been overshadowed by its male counterpart.

In the quarter-finals leading to this event, Hamburger SV's women defeated Mönchengladbach 2-0, showcasing their readiness for this crucial clash. The journey for both teams has been storied, with HSV boasting an impressive record of four matches yielding 17 goals and only two conceded in this year's DFB-Pokal season. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen earned their spot in the semi-finals after a tight 1-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, setting the stage for a fierce showdown.

HSV's chairman Eric Huwer expressed pride in this historic occasion, stating: "It is more than a sold-out football match. This is Hamburg’s commitment to women's and girls' football and our club." The enthusiasm is palpable among players, too, especially for forward Larissa Mühlhaus, who recently transferred from HSV to Werder Bremen. Mühlhaus, who has been in stellar form with six goals this season, expressed her excitement by saying, "I would have never thought of playing in front of such a large crowd. It’s really crazy!"

As both teams prepare, Werder's coach Thomas Horsch emphasized the importance of their role as the Bundesliga team, acknowledging the pressure while remaining optimistic. He noted, "We know that we are the Bundesliga team, so we take on this role. But in a football match, anything can happen."
The anticipation leading up to the match has been immense, with the past underscoring the significance of this game. Horsch, who will part ways with the club after this season, is thrilled to share this moment with his players. "I am not focusing on my highlight but simply celebrating the team's development and the chance to compete for a final place,” he added.

This semi-final match holds even greater importance as it follows a history of challenges for women's football in Germany. Thirteen years ago, HSV withdrew its women's team from the Bundesliga, citing financial difficulties. Now, reviving interest in the women's game would not only benefit the teams involved but also inspire future generations.

With such a monumental occasion approaching, TV channels are gearing up for coverage of this groundbreaking match. Fans can catch the game live on Sky and the WOW streaming service. There will also be a free stream available on the ZDF Mediathek, making it accessible for all supporters eager to witness history.

But what will the outcome be? Each team has their strengths, and the competition is sure to be fierce. The anticipation for what is dubbed the largest women's football match on German soil continues to mount, promising to leave an indelible mark on the history of the sport.