Bayern versus Köln and Frankfurt versus Dortmund: German Cup fireworks set to light up a pivotal midweek
27 October 2025
Cup Clash Preview
Eintracht Frankfurt host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the German Cup’s Round of 16, while Bayern Munich head to Köln on Wednesday, chasing another set of wins across competitions.
Frankfurt and Dortmund sit four points apart in the Bundesliga, and both teams balance Cup duties with European ambitions this season, each holding five German Cup titles in the cupboard.
Frankfurt arrive in relatively confident mood after a 2-0 win over St. Pauli following a heavy 1-5 European defeat to Liverpool, while Dortmund pursue a third successive win after a league loss to Bayern, then a 4-2 Champions League victory over Copenhagen and a 1-0 league win over Köln last weekend.
Breaking the Cup Curse?
Köln will test Bayern, who are chasing a 14th straight win across competitions—a run that could tie Milan’s historic 1992-93 mark if they prevail. Bayern have been near flawless this season, with eight straight Bundesliga victories (30 goals for, four conceded), three straight Champions League wins (12-2 aggregate in the group phase), and a domestic cup performance that included a 2-1 win over Stuttgart in the German Super Cup, plus a 3-2 cup-tie win at Heidenheim in the first round.
As for the domestic cup, Bayern hope to finally end a semi-final drought that has stretched since their 2020 German Cup triumph, a run that has seen them exit early in subsequent seasons. Köln, winner of the Cup four times and last crowned in 1983, sit eighth in the league and have not tasted victory in their last two league matches, making the trip to Munich’s neighbor a stern test.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart, the defending Cup champions, travel to Mainz on Wednesday, while Tuesday’s card features Wolfsburg against Kiel, Hertha Berlin against Elversberg, and Hoffenheim facing Heidenheim among other ties. The schedule rounds out with a mix of first-division giants and cup outsiders as the competition heats up.
Bayern in a Peak Phase under Kompany
Under manager Vincent Kompany, appointed in 2024 after a turbulent spell with Burnley, Bayern have shown a dynamic, high-pressing style built on a back-to-front build and rapid movement between lines. Kane has been given more freedom to roam outside the box, broadening their attacking options, while youngster Lennart Karl has been introduced to inject fresh energy into the side.
Bayern have eight straight wins to start the Bundesliga campaign, sitting top on 24 points, and have won three consecutive Champions League matches including a 4-0 victory over Club Brugge at the Allianz Arena. They also secured a domestic Cup final appearance by lifting the German Super Cup and added a 3-2 Cup win at Heidenheim in the opening round.
The Bavarians dream of a seventh Champions League title since 2020, a trophy they last captured in 2020 with Kingsley Coman’s headed clincher against Paris Saint‑Germain. Bayern head into the midweek fixtures with confidence, pace, and an eye on a historic treble hush-hush if everything falls into place.
Punchlines
1) If Bayern keep this up, the Cup might need a bigger shelf—just don’t tell their trophy cabinet it’s already crowded.
2) Frankfurt’s plan to press and progress could use an extra shot of espresso—either way, the goal line is going to be lonely without it.
