Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund

At the heart of a chilly Tuesday evening in Frankfurt, all eyes will turn to Deutsche Bank Park, where Eintracht Frankfurt host Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal second round on October 28, 2025, with kick-off at 18:30 CET. The home side will look to use their passionate supporters and familiar surroundings to unsettle a Dortmund team that has found rhythm under Niko Kovač. This knockout clash carries extra weight for both sides—Frankfurt aiming to defend their proud cup pedigree and Dortmund chasing silverware after a mixed Bundesliga run.

In the lead-up to the match, both clubs have dealt with important absences. Frankfurt remain without defender Elias Baum, sidelined by a hamstring problem, while midfielder Oscar Højlund also misses out through a thigh injury. Dortmund’s concerns lie in midfield stability and attacking options, as Emre Can and Julien Duranville continue their recovery from long-term setbacks. Kovač is reportedly weighing up whether to rest striker Serhou Guirassy, which could open a starting spot for Maximilian Beier, while Frankfurt’s bench will include young winger Nacho Ferri and veteran defender Tuta as rotational options.

Tactically, Dino Toppmöller plans to stick with a compact but aggressive 4-2-3-1 that presses high and relies on fast transitions led by Omar Marmoush. The coach stressed that Frankfurt must “play with intensity and purpose from the first whistle,” suggesting that their approach will blend discipline with quick counterattacks. Across the technical area, Niko Kovač has refined Dortmund’s system into a flexible 3-4-3 that morphs into a 3-5-2 in possession, depending on the movement of his wing-backs. His side’s success often depends on how well Julian Brandt and Marcel Sabitzer can control midfield tempo while supplying the wide forwards.

In the media build-up, German sports outlets have described Frankfurt as the dangerous underdog capable of punishing any Borussia Dortmund complacency. Analysts highlight how Frankfurt’s home form and pressing style could trouble Dortmund’s buildup. The press also points out that Kovač’s men have improved defensively compared to last season, but their creativity in tight spaces remains under scrutiny. Headlines in Frankfurt echo optimism, calling on the team to “embrace the fight” in front of their fans, while Dortmund’s camp has played down expectations, emphasizing focus and composure.

In the pre-match television studios, pundits have zeroed in on the midfield duel as the decisive area. Some analysts suggest that if Frankfurt’s Ellyes Skhiri can disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm, the hosts might dictate the tempo. Others believe Dortmund’s wing-backs—Ryerson and Maatsen—will be crucial in stretching the pitch and creating overloads. The general sentiment among analysts is that this will be a tight, tactical battle with limited chances, potentially decided by set pieces or a single burst of brilliance. Both teams arrive knowing that one mistake could end their cup run, setting the stage for a fascinating evening in Frankfurt.

Watch and Download Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, October 28, 2025. The match played at Deutsche Bank Park, in  DFB Pokal, Germany.

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