Energie Cottbus vs Leipzig

Tuesday night in Cottbus promises an intense atmosphere as Energie Cottbus host RB Leipzig at the LEAG Energie Stadion for their DFB-Pokal clash on October 28, 2025, with kick-off set for 21:45 CET. The historic ground in Brandenburg will be packed with home supporters eager to witness their side face Bundesliga opposition for the first time in several years, with both teams entering the match in very different circumstances—Cottbus dominating the 3. Liga table and Leipzig maintaining their top-flight ambitions.

Energie Cottbus come into this fixture with a few notable absentees. Jonas Hoffmann, Ted Tattermusch, and Elias Bethke are ruled out, leaving coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz with limited options in attack and midfield. His substitutes’ bench will likely feature a mix of youth and experience, including Maximilian Oesterhelweg and Niclas Erlbeck, who are expected to provide depth if the game stretches into extra time. For RB Leipzig, Ole Werner has to deal with the absence of Benjamin Henrichs, Kosta Nedeljković, and Viggo Gebel, though Max Finkgräfe’s return to training offers a potential boost. Werner is expected to rotate slightly, giving Maarten Vandevoordt a start in goal instead of Peter Gulácsi.

Tactically, Wollitz will rely on a compact 5-4-1 structure aimed at disrupting Leipzig’s rhythm, focusing on narrow defensive spacing and quick counterattacks led by Tim Heike on the wings. His philosophy centers on discipline and aggression without the ball, urging his players to stay patient and exploit transition moments. Werner, on the other hand, will stay true to Leipzig’s high-pressing 4-3-3, built around rapid circulation through the midfield and vertical passing toward Loïs Openda. His main concern is controlling the tempo early, ensuring Leipzig’s technical superiority translates into early chances to silence the home crowd.

In the hours leading up to kick-off, German sports media have emphasized the magnitude of the occasion for Cottbus. Outlets across the country note the stark contrast between the two clubs—one rebuilding through regional success and the other consistently fighting for European qualification. Still, there’s growing curiosity about whether Cottbus’ unbeaten home record can withstand Leipzig’s intensity. The press has described this tie as a classic David-versus-Goliath contest, pointing out that Cottbus’ momentum could make this fixture less predictable than the odds suggest.

Studio analysts have generally backed Leipzig to progress, though most caution that early complacency could invite danger. Pundits predict that Werner’s side will eventually impose their quality, with a likely outcome around 3-1, but several experts have noted that Cottbus’ energy, home advantage, and crowd pressure could keep the match alive deep into the second half. The discussion has focused on Leipzig’s need to balance rotation with focus, while Cottbus are being praised for their resilience and tactical evolution under Wollitz—an encouraging sign for a side eager to prove they still belong among Germany’s football elite.

Watch and Download Energie Cottbus vs Leipzig full match replay and highlights, At tuesday, October 28, 2025. The match played at LEAG Energie Stadion, in  DFB Pokal, Germany.

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