A fairy-tale season

“One day, the Deutsche Sportclub will play in the final, the Berlin final. Generations have died without seeing this game.” What once started as a fan song has in recent months became the motto of a season that must have felt like a dream to supporters of Arminia. For the first time in their 124-year history, the Deutsche Sportclub (DSC) play in the DFB Cup final on Saturday against VfB – one week after winning the 3. Liga title.

Defying the odds

Arminia Bielefeld are just the fourth club from the third division to reach the final in Berlin after Hertha BSC II (1993), Energie Cottbus (1997, against VfB) and Union Berlin (2001). Their journey there could not have been more sensational. After a 2-0 win over second-tier side Hannover 96 in the first round, Michel “Mitch” Kniat’s men despatched four Bundesliga teams in a row at home at the SchücoArena: first Union (2-0), then Freiburg (3-1) and Werder Bremen (2-1) and finally double winners Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2-1) in the semi-finals. The upset against the Werkself in particular made international headlines, with even The New York Times picking it up, and appeared to give Arminia an extra boost in their promotion battle. Since a 2-1 defeat at SC Verl on 8 March, the Blues have gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, which has seen them secure promotion back to Bundesliga 2.

Strong collective with individual ability

There are various reasons for this memorable campaign. The foundation is provided by the best defence in the third tier, who have conceded just 36 goals. They also have strength in depth, as evidenced by the fact they’ve scored the most goals by substitutes, and an excellent spirit, which has helped them earn the second-highest number of points from losing positions. Individual players often stand out from the collective: Julian Kania is the main man up front for Arminia with 16 goals, while left-back Louis Oppie with nine assists is one of the best crossers in the league. Captain and midfield strategist Mael Corboz was named Player of the Season in the 3. Liga. Alongside him, Marius Wörl has particularly impressed in the DFB Cup – with three goals and three assists, he’s been directly involved in the most goals in the competition this season.