Xabi Alonso's holders suffered an embarrassing semi-final defeat to giant-killing Arminia Bielefeld
08:47, 02 Apr 2025
Granit Xhaka clashes with Bayer Leverkusen fans at full-time
Granit Xhaka clashes with Bayer Leverkusen fans at full-time
Granit Xhaka clashed with his own fans as Bayer Leverkusen tumbled out of the DFB-Pokal to THIRD-tier opposition on Tuesday night.
Xabi Alonso's side were humiliated in the semi-final as minnows Arminia Bielefeld came from behind to win 2-1 and book their place in May's showpiece at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
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It's been a remarkable campaign for the giant-killing lower league outfit, who knocked out top-flight sides Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen to reach the last four.
But the stunning victory over the holders is the biggest scalp of the lot - with Leverkusen now staring at a trophyless season after conquering Germany last year.
The Bundesliga champions trail leaders Bayern Munich by six points in the title race. Vincent Kompany's men also dumped them out of the Champions League.
Tensions flared at full-time on Tuesday as Leverkusen diehards berated their heroes for blowing their only realistic chance of silverware.
Former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka was involved in a heated exchange with the club's ultras, arguing with own supporters just minutes after the embarrassing exit.
The Swiss international was filmed screaming at one fan in particular as he climbed into the stands, making various gestures.
Frustrated boss Alonso refused to offer any excuses after suffering his first defeat in 10 games in the competition.
He said: "Everyone is disappointed. I have to congratulate Arminia Bielefeld; they played better. We are disappointed. That's football."
Arminia Bielefeld will now face the winners of Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in the final on Saturday, May 24.
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