Borussia Dortmund fought through a grueling 120 minutes and a tense penalty shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerging as the hero to send BVB into the DFB-Pokal Round of 16. The dramatic 4-2 victory on penalties, following a 1-1 draw, highlighted the unpredictable nature of cup football and set the stage for further excitement in the competition.
In a night of high drama and unexpected turns in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), Borussia Dortmund clinched their spot in the Round of 16 by overcoming fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in a thrilling penalty shootout. The intense encounter, held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of hard-fought football, with BVB ultimately prevailing 4-2 on spot-kicks thanks to the heroics of their Swiss goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.
This victory not only extends Dortmund’s unbeaten run across all competitions but also reaffirms their historical prowess in the competition, as both teams entered the clash as five-time cup winners. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the storied rivalry and the high stakes of cup football.
A Battle of Bundesliga Giants: The Match Unfolds
The match at Deutsche Bank Park was a cagey affair from the outset. Frankfurt, keen to capitalize on home advantage, struck first in the seventh minute. Former Dortmund winger Ansgar Knauff, receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Mario Götze, calmly slotted the ball past Gregor Kobel to give the hosts an early lead. Dortmund, initially unsettled, slowly grew into the game, maintaining possession but struggling to break down a disciplined Frankfurt defense. Frankfurt’s Ritsu Dōan and Arthur Theate also came close to doubling the lead before halftime.
After the break, Dortmund responded quickly. Just three minutes into the second half, Julian Brandt converted from close range following a low cross from Julian Ryerson, bringing BVB level. The intensity continued to build, with both sides pushing for a winner. Ritsu Dōan rattled the crossbar with a fierce drive in the 79th minute, and later, substitutes Can Uzun and Fabio Silva forced top saves from the opposing keepers.
Extra time saw no let-up in the action. Frankfurt again threatened through Dōan and Farès Chaïbi, and a disallowed goal from Jonathan Burkardt in the 115th minute, flagged for offside, kept the tension at boiling point. With neither side able to find a decisive goal after 120 minutes, the match moved to penalties, a true test of nerve.
The Penalty Shootout: Kobel’s Defining Moment
In the shootout, Borussia Dortmund displayed remarkable composure. All four Dortmund takers—Brandt, Beier, Sabitzer, and Ryerson—converted their penalties with clinical precision. For Eintracht Frankfurt, the pressure proved too much. Ritsu Dōan sent his attempt over the bar, and then the crucial moment arrived. Midfielder Farès Chaïbi stepped up for Frankfurt’s fourth penalty, needing to score to keep his team in the competition. However, his low shot to Kobel’s right was met by a diving save from the Swiss goalkeeper, securing Dortmund a 4-2 shootout victory and a coveted spot in the next round. “The game had to be decided in a penalty shootout because both teams gave everything. Frankfurt made it very difficult for us, and in the end, a bit of luck was on our side. We are through, and that is what matters,” Dortmund coach Kovac commented on the narrow win, as reported by Associated Press.
This defeat continues a challenging period for Frankfurt, who have managed only one win in their last six games across all competitions, a trend that will undoubtedly be a point of discussion among their passionate fanbase.
Beyond Dortmund: Other Key DFB-Pokal Results and Upsets
Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal action was rich with drama beyond the Dortmund-Frankfurt clash. Several other matches provided upsets and decisive performances:
- Holstein Kiel Stuns Wolfsburg: Second-division side Holstein Kiel pulled off a major upset by defeating Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg 1-0. The game turned against Wolfsburg just before halftime when Jenson Seelt received a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. Five minutes later, Alexander Bernhardsson coolly converted a penalty to seal Kiel’s memorable victory.
- HSV Progresses in Heidenheim: Hamburger SV (HSV) advanced to the Round of 16 with a 1-0 win over 10-man Bundesliga side Heidenheim. Heidenheim’s Tim Siersleben was shown a straight red card early on. The breakthrough for HSV came late in the game when former Heidenheim striker Robert Glatzel converted an 83rd-minute penalty.
- Hertha BSC Dominates Elversberg: In an all-second-division encounter, Hertha BSC eased past Elversberg with a comfortable 3-0 win, reaching the last 16 for the third consecutive year. Goals from Michaël Cuisance, Sebastian Grönning, and a stoppage-time penalty from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson secured their progression.
- Leipzig’s Win Overshadowed by Tragedy: RB Leipzig secured a 4-1 victory over third-tier Energie Cottbus, with Christoph Baumgartner netting a brace. However, the celebrations were muted as the game was overshadowed by the tragic death of a Leipzig fan who suffered a medical incident on the way into the stadium, as confirmed by Associated Press.
- Marathon Shootout for St. Pauli: St. Pauli emerged victorious from a marathon penalty shootout against Hoffenheim, winning 8-7 after the match ended 2-2 after extra time. Goalkeeper Ben Voll made the decisive save for St. Pauli.
- Other Results: Borussia Mönchengladbach defeated Karlsruher SC 3-1, and VfL Bochum earned a 1-0 away win against Augsburg, eliminating another Bundesliga side.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the DFB-Pokal Final
The second round of the DFB-Pokal proved to be a captivating display of German football, blending high-stakes Bundesliga clashes with thrilling underdog victories. For Borussia Dortmund, the victory over Frankfurt is a significant psychological boost, propelling them forward in a competition where they are always considered strong contenders. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the draw for the Round of 16, hoping their team can continue this resilient form on the path to potential cup glory.
As the competition progresses, the blend of top-tier talent and ambitious lower-league teams promises more drama and memorable moments. The DFB-Pokal continues to be a highlight of the German football calendar, offering both established powerhouses and rising clubs a direct path to national recognition and silverware.
