Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Karlsruher

All eyes turn to BORUSSIA-PARK on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, where Borussia Mönchengladbach face Karlsruher SC in the DFB-Pokal second round. Kick-off is set for 19:45 CET, and anticipation is high as Gladbach seek a spark in front of their home supporters after a difficult Bundesliga campaign. The fixture carries major importance for both teams: for the hosts, a chance to rebuild morale; for the visitors, an opportunity to prove their 2. Bundesliga form can translate against top-flight opposition.

Mönchengladbach head into the match dealing with several injury setbacks. Nathan Ngoumou continues his recovery and remains unavailable, while Robin Hack and Tim Kleindienst are sidelined as well. Young defender Fabio Chiarodia is also expected to miss out due to a calf issue. These absences may open the door for fringe players like Grant-Leon Ranos and Rocco Reitz to feature from the bench. Karlsruher, meanwhile, have concerns of their own—Sebastian Jung is not fully fit, Dženis Burnić’s participation is uncertain, and Marcel Franke, though back in the squad, might not start as he returns from an abdominal strain.

Interim coach Eugen Polanski is expected to adjust Gladbach’s approach, shifting toward a structured 3-4-2-1 setup aimed at stabilizing a defense that has leaked goals in recent matches. His plan is to prioritize compactness in midfield, using the wing-backs to stretch play and create transitions through speed. For Karlsruher, Christian Eichner will stick to his trusted 4-2-3-1, focused on breaking quickly through Marvin Wanitzek and Fabian Schleusener. Their strategy revolves around absorbing pressure and exploiting the spaces behind Gladbach’s aggressive full-backs, a tactic that has worked well in their league fixtures.

Ahead of kick-off, the German press has portrayed this encounter as a crossroads moment for Gladbach. Headlines have underlined the urgency for the Bundesliga side to respond after a poor run of form, while praising Karlsruher’s consistency and fighting spirit in the second division. Commentators have also noted that Karlsruhe’s recent 4-1 away win could give them the confidence to challenge a struggling Gladbach side under pressure from their home crowd. Many pre-match reports have described this clash as “a test of mentality more than quality.”

Analysts in studio coverage have been divided but cautiously optimistic about Gladbach’s chances. Most agree their superior technical level and home advantage should see them through, but questions remain over their defensive stability and mental strength. Predictions generally favor a narrow win for Polanski’s men—something like 2-1—but with warnings that Karlsruher’s sharp counterattacking threat could easily turn the match into a tense, open contest if Gladbach fail to impose control early. Overall, the tone ahead of kickoff suggests a fragile favorite facing a bold challenger ready to exploit any hesitation.

Watch and Download Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Karlsruher SC full match replay and highlights, At tuesday, October 28, 2025. The match played at BORUSSIA-PARK, in  DFB Pokal, Germany.

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