2022 Still in the Bundesliga, now in the 3rd division. Arminia Bielefeld loses clearly in the relegation against Wehen Wiesbaden. The Hessians celebrate their well-deserved promotion to League Two.
The football miracle has failed to materialise: Arminia Bielefeld has been relegated from the 2nd Bundesliga in the relegation against SV Wehen Wiesbaden and must prepare for hard times. After the disgraceful 0:4 in the first leg, which was overshadowed by fan riots, the East Westphalians lost 1:2 (1:2) in the second encounter on Tuesday. This is the second relegation in a row for Arminia. It was not until 2022 that the traditional club was relegated from the Bundesliga. Wehen Wiesbaden, on the other hand, celebrated their third promotion to the second division after 2007 and 2019.
In the return match in Bielefeld, Fabian Klos (4th minute) scored the only goal for the hosts. Benedict Hollerbach scored twice for Wehen Wiesbaden (35./45.+2).
Even as the Bielefeld players ran into the stadium to warm up, the dislike of some fans resounded towards them. “We are Arminians and you are not,” the supporters chanted. For Arminia, it was all about damage limitation. Coach Uwe Koschinat made no less than five changes to his starting eleven, with identification figure Klos, among others, moving into the starting line-up. That paid off.
Klos’ early 1:0 brought back some support and self-confidence. The Bielefelders took on the duels and created goal-scoring chances. Wehen Wiesbaden, on the other hand, were dangerous on the counterattacks. Hollerbach, who has been linked with 1. FC Köln, used one of these to equalise. Shortly before the break, the 22-year-old added his second goal. Given the clear result four days earlier, there was no real tension at any point.
Bielefeld facing upheaval
The relegation has far-reaching consequences for Arminia. Financially, the decline has hit the traditional club hard – even though the Bielefeld club says it is not worried about its licence. In addition, almost all the players’ contracts are not valid for the 3rd League. A complete upheaval is imminent.
At least goal scorer Klos probably wants to stay on. “I’m not quitting like this. This is my club,” the 35-year-old had already said on the Sky microphone after the first leg. In a remarkable interview, Klos had also heavily criticised his own teammates and denied the team’s character as captain. The match in Wiesbaden was about to be abandoned because of riots by Arminia fans.
Wehen Wiesbaden may now cheer at the second attempt after a curious league final. The Hessians had already celebrated promotion with their fans on the pitch on the last day of the third division, but were then overtaken by VfL Osnabrück. Now the supporters who had travelled with them were already celebrating a big party in the visitors’ block during the match.