Bayer Leverkusen embarrassed in historic DFB Pokal semifinal | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen's dream of a DFB Pokal double was dealt a surprising blow with a 2-1 defeat to Bundesliga 3 side Arminia Bielefeld. The hosts have reached their first final in 120 years and could win their first major title.

It looked like it was going to be a quiet game for the Bundesliga's second-placed team, with defender Jonathan Tah opening the scoring at the start of a game in which Xabi Alonso's side dominated possession. However, the offensive volume didn't yield any more goals, allowing the opposition to respond.

In a fatal counter-attack, Marius Wörl hit a spectacular shot past Lukas Hradecky with the first shot on target, confirming this team's tendency to be fatal when they have chances to score. Neutralized by their opponents' defensive system, Leverkusen saw Arminia score the winner in the 48th minute through Maximilian Grosser.

Throughout the second half, Arminia withstood Leverkusen's initial pressure and prevented an initial reaction by controlling possession, escaping the traditional defensive blockade with closed lines. Xabi Alonso brought on Boniface in the final minutes, but Bielefeld held on to their lead without taking too many risks.

FBL-GER-CUP-BIELEFELD-LEVERKUSEN | UWE KRAFT/GettyImages

What does the result mean for the future of Bayer Leverkusen's season?

Arminia Bielefeld has only four second division titles and two West German Cups, a tournament in which Bundesliga teams did not take part. This result is essential for building a club's local culture, allowing the local population to get involved with this club and not support other teams in Germany.

On the other hand, the enormous frustration could impact Bayer Leverkusen in the remainder of the Bundesliga, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich. All the magic of last season is gone, and Xabi Alonso's future at Leverkusen could be coming to a melancholy end.