Augsburg vs VfL Bochum

As anticipation builds in Bavaria, FC Augsburg prepare to host VfL Bochum at the WWK Arena on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the DFB-Pokal’s second round. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 CET, and a lively home crowd is expected as Augsburg aim to rebound from recent domestic struggles. For both sides, this cup fixture carries extra weight—Augsburg are eager to restore confidence after a disappointing run in the Bundesliga, while Bochum view the encounter as an opportunity to make a statement against top-flight opposition.

Augsburg enter the match dealing with a few fitness concerns. Elvis Rexhbecaj remains sidelined due to a back issue, Marius Wolf is out through illness, and Arne Maier is unavailable after catching a cold. Their bench, however, retains enough experience with substitutes like Niklas Dorsch and Tim Breithaupt likely to feature if tactical adjustments are needed. On Bochum’s side, coach Peter Zeidler will be without Gerrit Holtmann, who is recovering from a muscle injury, and young forward Luis Hartwig, still nursing an arm problem. The visitors’ depth could see Moritz-Broni Kwarteng and Christopher Antwi-Adjei play influential substitute roles.

From a tactical perspective, Augsburg coach Jess Thorup has underlined the need for control and compactness in midfield, urging his players to “get things back on track” following defensive lapses in previous matches. His approach is expected to revolve around a flexible 4-2-3-1, balancing possession with quick transitions through the flanks. Bochum, meanwhile, are expected to sit deeper in a 4-3-3 formation, seeking stability and counterattacking efficiency. Zeidler’s game plan will likely depend on exploiting space behind Augsburg’s full-backs, a recurring weakness that opposing teams have targeted throughout the season.

Ahead of kick-off, German football media have largely framed this fixture as a test of Augsburg’s resilience. Local reports highlight the mounting pressure on the hosts to deliver after their 6-0 defeat to RB Leipzig earlier in the month, calling this cup tie “a crucial step toward restoring belief.” Conversely, Bochum are being portrayed as a side quietly finding rhythm, unbeaten in their last few outings and playing with renewed confidence. Journalists have noted that their organized structure could make life difficult for Augsburg, especially if the hosts start slowly or underestimate their visitors.

In studio discussions, analysts have generally tipped Augsburg to win but not without warning signs. Commentators pointed out that Augsburg’s defensive inconsistencies could again surface if they allow Bochum’s pacey wingers too much room. Predictions from various pundits hover around a narrow home victory—something like 2-1 or 1-0—but many emphasize that Bochum’s discipline and energy could push the match beyond 90 minutes if Augsburg fail to impose themselves early. Overall, the pre-match tone suggests confidence in Augsburg’s superiority, tempered by an awareness that in the DFB-Pokal, nothing ever comes easy.

Watch and Download Augsburg vs VfL Bochum full match replay and highlights, At tuesday, October 28, 2025. The match played at WWK Arena, in  DFB Pokal, Germany.

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