The DFB-Pokal and League Cup delivered a night of shocks as Bochum defeated Mainz, Dortmund edged Bremen, and Fleetwood Town stunned Premier League champions Arsenal.
In Germany, second-tier Bochum knocked out Bundesliga side Mainz 05, while Borussia Dortmund narrowly overcame Werder Bremen 3-2 in a tightly contested tie . The wins secured their places in the next round of the DFB-Pokal.
The biggest upset came in England, where Fleetwood Town, a fourth-tier side, eliminated Arsenal on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Aaron Loupalo-Bi put Fleetwood ahead in the 21st minute before Viktor Gyökeres equalized for Arsenal early in the second half . The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Fleetwood winning 5-3 in the shootout after Bruno Guimarães missed his penalty. Arsenal’s 16-year-old Max Dowman was sent off late in the game for violent conduct .
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fielded a rotated side, making nine changes from their weekend win over Everton, but the gamble backfired . “A really sad day for us,” Arteta said afterward, acknowledging the disappointment but refusing to criticize his players’ effort . Fleetwood’s manager, Matt Lawlor, called it the “greatest night in the club’s history” as fans stormed the pitch in celebration .
Fleetwood, nicknamed the “Cod Army,” had just 22 percent possession and two shots on target but held firm, with goalkeeper Jay Lynch saving five of Arsenal’s six attempts . The match was briefly delayed by an unauthorized drone over the stadium .
