2. Bundesliga: Arminia Bielefeld produce magnificent second-half fightback to secure survival on the final day | OneFootball

Despite trailing at half-time, Bielefeld produced a devastating second-half display as goals from Joel Grodowski (2), Monju Momuluh, Stefano Russo, Semir Telalović and Roberts Uldriķis fired Mitch Kniat’s side to safety and ensured a second consecutive season in the 2. Bundesliga, eventually finishing 13th amid jubilant scenes.

It was Hertha who threatened first when Janne Berner found himself completely unmarked at the back post following a deep Julian Eitschberger cross, though the full-back seemed caught off guard by the opportunity and could only guide his effort wide.

After surviving that early scare, Bielefeld began to take control of proceedings, with both the players and home supporters fully embracing the magnitude of the occasion in their battle for survival.

Tjark Ernst was called into action on several occasions to keep the hosts at bay. The Hertha goalkeeper first denied Christopher Lannert midway through the opening half before producing an outstanding save from Marius Wörl in the 35th minute. Mael Corboz played Wörl clean through on goal, but Ernst reacted brilliantly with his legs to preserve parity.

Against the run of play, however, it was Hertha who struck first in the 37th minute to silence the SchücoArena. Bielefeld only partially cleared a free-kick, allowing Eitschberger far too much time on the right to deliver another dangerous ball into the area, where Linus Gechter rose highest to head beyond Jonas Kersken and give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

Needing a response to keep their survival hopes alive, Bielefeld emerged for the second half with renewed energy and found their equaliser just four minutes after the restart. Monju Momuluh hooked a long Hertha clearance back towards goal, catching the visiting defence completely off guard, and the loose ball fell perfectly for Grodowski, who produced an excellent first-time volley beyond Ernst to make it 1-1.

With momentum firmly on their side, Bielefeld completed the turnaround just before the hour mark. Arne Sicker delivered a dangerous cross from the right and Grodowski applied the slightest of touches to divert the ball into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures as safety edged closer.

Kniat’s side continued to overwhelm Hertha and effectively put the game beyond doubt only five minutes later. Grodowski was again central to the move, driving forward before laying the ball into the path of Corboz, who unselfishly squared for the onrushing Momuluh to tap into an empty net and make it 3-1.

By the 74th minute, the contest was all but over as Bielefeld added a fourth. Sicker’s corner was met by Maximilian Großer, whose effort was saved by Ernst, but the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of Stefano Russo, who reacted quickest to turn home from close range.

The hosts added further gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time as another set-piece caused problems for Hertha, with Semir Telalović nodding in Jannik Rochelt’s delivery in the 91st minute. Rochelt then turned provider once again deep into added time, setting up Roberts Uldriķis to calmly slot past Ernst with virtually the last kick of the game, sparking wild celebrations as Bielefeld sealed survival in spectacular style.