Kovac’s Cup Quest: Dortmund Ride to Frankfurt to Face His Old Flame

Context and lineup notes

Borussia Dortmund head to Eintracht Frankfurt for a DFB-Pokal second-round clash as they begin a demanding stretch of four away games in two weeks, chasing Cup success away from home. Nico Kovac returns to face his former club in a high-stakes tie, aiming to prove that coaching DNA can repeat itself under pressure. Injuries have shaped the squad, with Emre Can and Julian Duranville sidelined for now; both are making progress but aren’t expected to feature, and the coaching staff will not rush their comeback.

Frankfurt’s buildup has centered on balancing domestic duties with European commitments, and Dortmund’s recent form offers a blueprint for a Cup upset. The club’s approach remains pragmatic: go to Frankfurt with a game plan and trust the squad depth to carry the day.

The club released remarks citing that there will be limited changes beyond those injuries, as the team eyes a confident performance on the road and a clean sheet would be a welcome bonus in a tough away assignment.

Form, head-to-head and Cup history

Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga and hold a notable position in their Champions League campaign, while Dortmund look to translate their continental momentum into Cup success. Frankfurt have been potent in attack but vulnerable defensively, a combination Dortmund will seek to exploit. Efforts in Europe have included a tough 5-1 loss to Liverpool followed by a 2-0 league win over St. Pauli, underscoring a side capable of high highs and low lows.

Kovac emphasized the importance of a strong Cup performance, noting that every tie in the knockout format demands focus from the first whistle. Frankfurt’s Cup history presents a balanced narrative: both teams have five German Cup titles, with Dortmund last lifting the trophy in 2021 and Frankfurt in 2018. Dortmund’s total Cup goals stand around 499, while Frankfurt have crossed the 500-mark, highlighting a shared legacy of scoring in this competition.

In head-to-head Cup meetings since 2021, Dortmund have only one defeat in eight clashes against Frankfurt, with their most recent setback occurring in January 2025. The most famous Frankfurt-Dortmund Cup match in recent memory came in February 2014, when Dortmund edged Frankfurt 1-0 in the quarterfinals thanks to a late Aubameyang header after a cross from Mkhitaryan.

As Kovac returns to Frankfurt with the aim of beating his old loves, he remains focused on getting the best out of his Dortmund side, urging players to execute the game plan from the opening whistle and keep momentum through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

Key statistics and tactical notes

Frankfurt’s current form contrasts with Dortmund’s away confidence, and the clash will hinge on which team can impose their style away from home. Defensive discipline and countering quick transitions will be crucial, as will the effectiveness of Dortmund’s midfield press to disrupt Frankfurt’s buildup.

Historical Cup data adds intrigue: Dortmund have claimed the trophy five times, as have Frankfurt, but the recent edge in meetings tilts slightly toward Dortmund for knockout games. The Cup’s double-barreled history adds a layer of narrative—two clubs with a shared appetite for silverware and a willingness to seize moments when it matters most.

Prediction and sentiment aside, this tie is a test of depth, depth of character, and the ability to convert future potential into one decisive result on the night. Dortmund will need to be at their best away from home, and Frankfurt will look for a strong home performance to push through to the next round.

In Frankfurt’s arena, away-adventure meets Cup ambition, and the story writes itself as football fans lean in for a match that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Kick-off arrives with a sense of history and the knowledge that football loves a good plot twist, especially when it involves a coach facing his old club in the German Cup.

Punchline time: if this tie were a sniper, the shot would land exactly at the moment your snacks disappear—goal, drama, and a hint of mischief all in one. And if football had a memoir, this match would be titled: The One Where Kovac Returns and Everyone Pays Attention.