Borussia Dortmund secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen in the second round of the German Cup on October 27, 2026, thanks to Marcel Sabitzer’s spectacular stoppage-time free kick. The late strike settled an entertaining contest at Signal Iduna Park after Dortmund surrendered a two-goal advantage and appeared close to being taken into extra time.
The result sent Dortmund through to the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal, while Bremen were eliminated despite an impressive second-half comeback led by substitute Niclas Füllkrug.
Dortmund Take Control With Two Early Goals
Dortmund started strongly and needed only six minutes to open the scoring. A promising attacking move involving Maximilian Beier and Julian Ryerson created the opportunity for Serhou Guirassy, who finished from close range to give the hosts an early advantage.
The home side continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead in the 17th minute. Jobe Bellingham headed the ball into the path of Carney Chukwuemeka, who converted the chance to make it 2-0.
With two goals inside the opening 20 minutes, Dortmund appeared well positioned to progress comfortably. Bremen, however, remained in the contest and looked for opportunities to respond before the break.
Dortmund also had chances to extend their advantage, but their inability to add a third goal left the tie open. That proved significant after the teams returned for the second half.
Niclas Füllkrug Inspires Bremen’s Comeback
Werder Bremen made changes after the interval, introducing Füllkrug to strengthen their attack. The substitute quickly changed the direction of the match.
In the 65th minute, Dortmund defender Ryerson was penalised for a foul on Mick Schmetgens inside the penalty area. Füllkrug stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Bremen capitalised on their renewed momentum just three minutes later. Füllkrug found space to advance and fired a low effort into the net, completing his brace and bringing the visitors level at 2-2.
The turnaround transformed the contest. Dortmund had lost the advantage they established early in the game, while Bremen suddenly had a realistic opportunity to force extra time or secure a memorable cup victory.
Both teams continued searching for a decisive goal as the match approached its conclusion. With extra time looming, Dortmund needed one final moment of quality to avoid a prolonged battle.
Sabitzer Delivers the Decisive Moment
Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač introduced Sabitzer during the second half, and the Austrian midfielder ultimately became the match-winner.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Dortmund earned a free kick approximately 25 yards from goal after Felix Nmecha was fouled. Sabitzer took responsibility for the set piece and produced a superb direct effort, curling the ball inside the near post to restore Dortmund’s lead.
The late strike made the score 3-2 and sparked celebrations among the home supporters. Bremen had little time to recover, and Dortmund held on to secure qualification.
Sabitzer’s contribution proved decisive in a match that highlighted both Dortmund’s attacking quality and their vulnerability after taking an early lead. Guirassy and Chukwuemeka had established control in the first half, but Füllkrug’s quick double threatened to undo their work.
Dortmund Move Forward After a Cup Thriller
The victory keeps Dortmund’s German Cup campaign alive and provides a dramatic route into the competition’s last 16. However, allowing a two-goal lead to disappear will give the coaching staff areas to address, particularly in defensive organisation and game management.
For Bremen, the defeat was a difficult ending to a spirited performance. Füllkrug’s introduction brought renewed energy and produced two goals in quick succession, but Sabitzer’s late free kick denied the visitors a chance to extend the contest.
Ultimately, Dortmund’s ability to find a decisive goal under pressure made the difference. Sabitzer’s stoppage-time strike turned a match heading towards extra time into a memorable 3-2 cup victory and ensured that Dortmund advanced to the next round.
