Dortmund's grind pays off: a late-night cup duel sealed by penalties
29 October 2025
Match report
Dortmund’s coaching staff and club officials expressed relief after their 4-2 victory on penalties over Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup, following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.
According to Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s managing director, Gregor Kobel deserved special praise: Frankfurt created some chances, but a top-class goalkeeper saved the decisive spot-kick. It was a gruelling, attritional battle, two tense meetings in a row with Cologne and Frankfurt proving to be formidable opponents.
He added that such wins lift the squad and that celebrations in the locker room help build positive momentum for the weeks ahead.
Sebastian Kehl said: “When you win on penalties, there’s a touch of luck, but we’re the happier side and we certainly deserved it.”
A painful feeling – Coach Niko Kovac admitted: “It’s the hundredth time my brother and I have had to endure shootouts in this cup; today neither side could decide it earlier because both teams gave everything. It was a true endurance test.”
Brandt – “We see ourselves at a certain level; you must be prepared to face teams like Frankfurt, a great side, and play matches even away from home.”
Kobel emphasised the difficulty: “It was a hard match; the penalty-takers did very well; after 120 minutes, it’s not easy to step up, but the balls were placed well by everyone.”
Numbers and milestones
Frankfurt were sharper in the cup with more danger early, while Dortmund showed energy and tempo. Dortmund won more duels and held a slight edge in possession, celebrating a historic goal in the process.
Dortmund have now won 8 of 11 penalty shootouts in the German Cup.
Historically, Dortmund had lost the first two cup clashes with Frankfurt (1969, 1979) but have won the last five meetings overall.
Across the match, Dortmund trailed at halftime before rallying after the break; in extra time both sides neutralised each other, producing a tactical yet dramatic finish.
Dortmund now has 500 goals in the Cup and 300 goals away from home in the German Cup.
Brandt has scored in the Cup, the Bundesliga, and the Champions League this season.
Niklas Süle reached his 100th competitive appearance for Dortmund.
For the second time this season, Dortmund trailed at halftime (the previous instance was away to Bayern Munich in the league).
Dortmund started with the youngest starting XI under Kovac (average age around 25.7).
A return from injury saw a Dortmund forward start for the first time in two months, marking his second appearance for Dortmund this season.
