The 2025-26 DFB Pokal gets underway with a thrilling first-round tie as recently promoted DSC Arminia Bielefeld hosts Bundesliga side Werder Bremen at the SchücoArena. Scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at 2:45 PM ET (8:45 PM CEST), this match is a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s dramatic quarter-final encounter.
Arminia Bielefeld enters the competition in a strong position, having recently been promoted back to the 2. Bundesliga after an excellent season in the third tier. Their journey to the DFB Pokal final last season, where they ultimately fell to VfB Stuttgart, showcased their immense fighting spirit and quality.
Under the guidance of manager Mitch Kniat, the team has continued its momentum into the new season, displaying formidable attacking form in preseason with a 5-1 victory at home and a 2-0 away win against Holstein Kiel.
Werder Bremen, meanwhile, embarks on a new chapter with the appointment of head coach Horst Steffen. This DFB Pokal match marks the first competitive fixture for the team under its new leadership. Having finished in a respectable mid-table position in the Bundesliga last season, Bremen’s new-look squad is still in a transitional phase.
Their preseason has been a mixed bag, with signs of a lack of cohesion and struggles in front of goal, which their opponents will be keen to exploit.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Arminia Bielefeld has demonstrated a confident and aggressive tactical approach under Kniat, often employing a 3-4-3 formation that allows them to overwhelm opponents on the flanks and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Key to their attack will be midfielders Marvin Mehlem and Julian Kania, who have been in sensational form. Their home advantage and the electric atmosphere of the SchücoArena will provide an extra boost.
Werder Bremen, under their new coach, will need to quickly find their tactical footing. The pressure will be on key players like striker Jens Stage and creative forward Marvin Ducksch to deliver. The visitors will likely focus on a disciplined defensive performance and look to exploit any lapses in the home side’s backline with quick counter-attacks. The midfield battle will be pivotal, and Bremen’s ability to control the tempo will be crucial to their success.
Last season’s cup clash, which saw Arminia Bielefeld emerge victorious, adds an extra layer of motivation for both sides. The home team will be looking to prove that their success was not a fluke, while Bremen will be out for revenge and a chance to assert their top-flight status.
Match Prediction
This is a classic cup tie with all the ingredients for an upset. While Werder Bremen’s Bundesliga pedigree and squad depth cannot be ignored, Arminia Bielefeld’s current momentum and home form are powerful factors. The home team’s attacking confidence, combined with Bremen’s preseason struggles, points towards a closely fought encounter that could go either way.
Predicted Score: DSC Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 Werder Bremen (AET)
How to Watch DSC Arminia Bielefeld vs Werder Bremen Live Stream
The DFB Pokal first-round match is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, with a kick-off at 2:45 PM ET. The match will be broadcast on various platforms.
CountryLive Stream & TV ChannelUnited StatesESPN+GermanyZDF, Sky SportUnited KingdomSky Sports FootballCanadaSportsnet*Broadcast information may vary based on your location. Please check your local listings for the most accurate details.
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