Copenhagen’s Grit Tests Dortmund’s European Rebound
21 October 2025
Match context and stakes
Borussia Dortmund aims to rebound and cement its new standing in the UEFA Champions League after failing to win in two significant Bundesliga fixtures in a row. The German side travels to Copenhagen for the third group-stage match, seeking to bolster its European position against a tough Danish opponent at Parken Stadium.
The Copenhagen game carries extra weight because Dortmund’s next Champions League fixture is away to Manchester City. This match is the second of six away games Dortmund will play before 8 November, with only one of the next seven games scheduled at home against Köln on Saturday.
Physically, coach Nico Kovac can field a full squad aside from the long-term absentees Emre Can and Julian Dornfeld. He said: We played a strong game in Munich, but by tomorrow everyone should be recovered enough to play 90 minutes.
Rotation, injuries, and expectations
Looking ahead, Kovac explained that the upcoming schedule will demand both rotation and travel, with six of seven away games looming. He will decide on rotation for tomorrow and in the coming fixtures to ensure minutes for everyone while protecting against overload and injuries.
Julian Brandt has returned to full fitness after a hand surgery and helped Dortmund in Mainz and also scored in Munich. Kovac praised his return and also highlighted Fabio Silva’s progress, stating that bringing him into games for ten to fifteen minutes shows the trust and what is seen in him.
The coach emphasized that Copenhagen’s momentum should not be underestimated, even with injuries. He noted that Danish players who step in for injured teammates are capable and motivated to prove they can be relied upon by their coach.
European numbers, records, and Copenhagen’s home form
This match marks Dortmund’s 200th appearance in the Champions League across its modern and historical formats, making them the second German side to reach this milestone after Bayern Munich, who will play their 411th match. Dortmund have scored four goals in two consecutive Champions League matches for the first time since the group stage of 2014/15, when they did so in back-to-back games against Galatasaray. They have lost only one of their last nine Champions League matches (five wins, three draws).
Copenhagen have lost just two of their last 19 home games in the Champions League group stage or knockout rounds. They have failed to win in their last nine European home games against German clubs (two draws, seven losses). Sporting director Sebastian Kehl answered questions about Dortmund’s aims for the Copenhagen game, emphasizing mood and focus despite the Bayern setback.
Outlook and aims
Kehl described a positive mood, noting lessons learned from the Bayern game and stressing the objective of winning in Copenhagen to keep momentum in a demanding schedule. He highlighted that Copenhagen, despite injuries, remain dangerous in the Champions League and will be highly motivated to impress their coach and fans.
In short, Dortmund travel with a clear objective: reassert their European form, manage a grueling schedule, and continue developing both seasoned players and young talents for the sprint to the end of the year.
Punchline 1: If football were a math test, Dortmund would be calculating how many goals it takes to outscore chaos—spoiler: it’s usually more than the opponent thinks.
Punchline 2: The ball may take detours, but Dortmund hope the net doesn’t; occasionally even a compass can point to a goal when the team is tuned in.
