Sabitzer's Stoppage-Time Free Kick Secures Dortmund’s DFB Cup Progress Against Bremen
Borussia Dortmund advanced to the next round of the DFB Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen, thanks to Marcel Sabitzer’s last-minute free-kick goal. The match saw early Dortmund goals from Serhou Guirassy and Carney Chukwuemeka, followed by a double from Niclas Füllkrug, including a penalty and a quick follow-up. Sabitzer’s late strike capped a thrilling comeback in the second round of Germany’s domestic cup competition.
Borussia Dortmund advanced to the next round of the DFB Cup with a 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen in a dramatic second-round tie on October 28, 2026, at Signal Iduna Park. The match saw early goals from Serhou Guirassy in the 6th minute and Carney Chukwuemeka in the 17th, giving Dortmund a two-goal lead. Werder Bremen responded through Niclas Füllkrug, who scored both equalizers—first from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after a foul on Mick Schmetgens, then again three minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the box following a pass from Senne Lynen. With the game poised for extra time, Marcel Sabitzer delivered the decisive blow in the third minute of stoppage time, curling a free kick from about 25 yards into the near post to make it 3-2. The goal secured Dortmund’s progression and capped a tense, high-stakes encounter between two Bundesliga sides with a history of close encounters, including a 2-2 draw earlier in the season and a prior DFB Cup meeting in February 2020 that Bremen won 3-2.
The context for this match includes recent tactical decisions by both managers: Niko Kovač rotated four players for Dortmund, omitting suspended Ramy Bensebaini, while Daniel Thioune made four changes for Bremen, including benching Füllkrug. The game’s outcome reflects the pressure of domestic cup competition, where momentum from league form doesn’t always translate. Dortmund, seeking to reclaim cup glory after recent setbacks, aimed to build on their Bundesliga win over E
This DFB Cup thriller underscores the enduring cultural significance of knockout football in Germany, where underdog performances and last-minute drama resonate deeply with fans across regions. The match’s outcome may influence fan engagement metrics for both clubs, particularly in Bremen, where a narrow defeat could fuel renewed support despite the loss. For Dortmund, the victory reinforces their status as serious cup contenders, potentially boosting ticket sales and merchandise demand ahead of high-profile fixtures. On a broader scale, such tightly contested games highlight the competitive balance within the Bundesliga, where mid-table teams like Bremen can challenge top-tier clubs in cup competitions—mirroring the 2018 DFB Cup run by Eintracht Frankfurt, which culminated in a surprise final appearance. The emotional investment in these matches may also affect player morale and media narratives, particularly for players like Sabitzer and Füllkrug, whose performances could impact tran