While the home fans and Arminia players celebrated their progress, the mood was understandably more sombre among the SC contingent. The Breisgau side joined Hannover 96 and Union Berlin in the list of teams eliminated by the third-tier outfit this season – and, unfortunately, deservedly so.

“We didn’t achieve what we set out to do. Overall, we’re extremely disappointed. We didn’t take our chances in the first half, which would have taken some of the wind out of their sails. We have to acknowledge that Bielefeld did well tonight. Overall, it wasn’t the game we’d hoped for,” head coach Julian Schuster said after the final whistle

As in Freiburg’s previous cup matches this season, Florian Müller started in goal in place of Noah Atubolu. Schuster also made five changes following last weekend’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach, with Kiliann Sildillia, Max Rosenfelder, Patrick Osterhage and Florent Muslija replacing Lukas Kübler, Philipp Lienhart, Nicolas Höfler and Vincenzo Grifo.

Meanwhile, Arminia head coach Mitch Kniat made two changes to his attack following their 1-0 win over Ingolstadt at the weekend, with Sam Schreck and Lukas Kunze coming in for Mika Schroers and Isaiah Young.

Difficult first half

SC were cautious of taking too many risks in their build-up play in the opening minutes, knowing full well of Arminia's speed on the counter-attack. As a result, Schuster's side also didn't press as high up the pitch as they might usually do in the Bundesliga. 

Nevertheless, it was Arminia who created the game’s first real chance. Freiburg had Matthias Ginter’s outstretched leg to thank for blocking Julian Kania’s effort just seven minutes in.

Down the other end, Florent Muslija squandered a golden opportunity to give SC the lead. After Lucas Höler won possession and set up Michael Gregoritsch, the latter went down in the box under a challenge. Referee Frank Willenborg awarded a penalty, but Muslija was denied from the spot and again on the rebound by Bielefeld goalkeeper Jonas Kersken (18’).

The game was an entertaining one for the neutral with chances for both sides, though neither Gregoritsch from a tight angle (23’) nor Kania’s backheel for Arminia (27’) could break the deadlock. Christopher Lannert finally did grab the opening goal moments later, albeit from one of the game’s least promising chances; the centre back tried his luck with a shot from 30 yards following a short corner, and he was able to fire it out of the reach of Müller and into the back of the net to put the hosts 1-0 up (28’).

Things got worse for Freiburg just a few minutes later when the ball struck Gregoritsch’s hand in the area, and Willenborg awarded the second penalty of the match after consulting VAR. Kania sent Müller the wrong way from 12 yards, doubling Bielefeld’s advantage (36’).

Two down at the break

The momentum was well and truly with the home side, who almost added a third before the interval. Fortunately, Marius Wörl’s effort from long range flew just wide of the SC goal. Schuster’s side were unable to find a response and were ultimately grateful when the referee’s half-time whistle blew.

There were two changes for the visitors during the break. Müller was unable to continue, having earlier required treatment for a blow to the head, and Atubolu replaced him between the sticks. Muslija took up a place on the bench for the second half, with Grifo joining the action.

Freiburg came out looking more invigorated after the change of ends, but there was still a lack of incisiveness going forward. That wasn’t helped by the Arminia’s two-goal lead, which allowed the 3. Liga side to sit back in their own half and wait for counter-attacking opportunities. One emerged in the 58th minute, but Atubolu reacted superbly to deny Corboz.

Comeback hopes fall short

There was just over an hour on the clock when the packed away end were finally able to celebrate a goal. Gregoritsch was picked out brilliantly by Doan’s cross and powered a header home from close range to bring SC back in the game at 2-1 (63’).

The celebrations were almost very short-lived, however, an outstanding reflex save by Atubolu to deny Kania ensured that the visitors could go into the final quarter hour of the game still with the hope of at least forcing extra time.

Höler came closest to levelling the scores with a shot from a tight angle that Kersken did well to save. In the 81st minute though, any hopes of completing a comeback were put to bed. Louis Oppie broke away against the high line as SC pushed for an equaliser, and he gave Atubolu no chance with his shot from inside the box, making it 3-1 to Arminia.

There was no way back for Freiburg now and their 2024/25 DFB-Pokal journey came to a close in the round of 16. SC are back in Bundesliga action on Sunday with a trip to TSG Hoffenheim. Kick-off is at 17:30 CET.

Photo: Max Maiwald / DeFodi Images