News Focus
- Bielefeld trailed 1-0 at the interval but netted six times after half-time
- Joel Grodowski scored twice to inspire the extraordinary turnaround
- The 6-1 triumph confirms a 13th-place finish and a second straight season in the second tier
- Mitch Kniat’s side produced a devastating attacking display at the SchücoArena
Arminia Bielefeld completed a stunning fightback to preserve their 2. Bundesliga status. The club hammered Hertha Berlin 6-1 on the final day to avoid relegation.
The hosts entered the dressing room at half-time facing a crisis. They trailed by a single goal after a lacklustre opening period. However, they returned to the pitch with incredible intensity for the second 45 minutes.
The visitors carved out the first opportunity of the match. Janne Berner found himself unmarked at the far post following a deep cross from Julian Eitschberger. The full-back seemed surprised by the chance and guided his header wide of the target.
Bielefeld gradually found their rhythm as the half developed. Hertha goalkeeper Tjark Ernst produced a string of fine saves to protect his clean sheet. He first denied Christopher Lannert and then made a superb reaction stop with his legs to thwart Marius Wörl in the 35th minute.
Against the run of play, Hertha broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break. Bielefeld failed to clear a free-kick properly. Eitschberger delivered another dangerous ball from the right, and Linus Gechter rose highest to head past Jonas Kersken.
The home team emerged for the second half with renewed determination. They found an equaliser just four minutes after the restart. Monju Momuluh hooked a long clearance back towards goal, catching the Hertha defence off guard. The ball fell kindly for Joel Grodowski, who smashed a first-time volley beyond Ernst.
Bielefeld took the lead shortly before the hour mark. Arne Sicker whipped in a dangerous cross from the right flank. Grodowski applied a delicate touch to divert the ball into the net, sparking jubilant scenes among the home supporters.
The goals continued to flow at an astonishing rate. Grodowski drove forward and released Mael Corboz, who unselfishly squared the ball across the face of goal. Momuluh arrived to tap into an empty net and make it 3-1.
The contest was effectively settled in the 74th minute. Maximilian Großer met a corner from Sicker, and although Ernst saved the initial header, Stefano Russo reacted quickest to turn home the rebound from close range.
Bielefeld added further gloss to the scoreline during stoppage time. Semir Telalović nodded home from Jannik Rochelt’s delivery in the 91st minute. Deep into added time, Rochelt again turned provider, setting up Roberts Uldriķis to calmly slot past Ernst with virtually the last kick of the campaign.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations throughout the stadium. Bielefeld secured 13th place in the table and will compete in the 2. Bundesliga again next season.