Borussia Dortmund edged SV Werder Bremen 3-2 in a gripping DFB Pokal tie at Signal Iduna Park on 28 October 2026, with a late goal finally settling a contest that had swung back and forth throughout. The cup atmosphere brought the best out of both sides, but Dortmund’s extra quality in the final third proved decisive in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and drama.

Match overview

Dortmund began brightly and took the lead inside the first 20 minutes when Serhou Guirassy finished calmly after a flowing move through midfield. Werder Bremen responded well, pressing higher and finding space between Dortmund’s lines. Their equaliser came through Marvin Ducksch, whose movement inside the penalty area created just enough room for a precise finish.

Dortmund restored their advantage early in the second half when Julian Brandt arrived late in the box to convert a low cross. But Bremen were not finished, and Romano Schmid levelled again after a period of sustained pressure. With the tie threatening to head into extra time, Karim Adeyemi produced the decisive moment, cutting inside and firing home late on to send Dortmund through.

• Competition: DFB Pokal
• Home team: Borussia Dortmund
• Away team: SV Werder Bremen
• Final score: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 SV Werder Bremen
• Date: 28 October 2026

Key moments

The opening goal set the tone for a fast, technical contest. Dortmund worked the ball wide before cutting it back into the penalty area, where Guirassy’s first-time finish gave the home side an early cushion. Bremen’s response was impressive, with Ducksch equalising after a sharp exchange on the edge of the box.

Brandt’s goal early in the second half looked like it might give Dortmund control, but Bremen’s persistence paid off when Schmid found space at the far post and finished from close range. Dortmund pushed forward in the closing stages, and Adeyemi’s late strike proved the difference, sparking wild celebrations around Signal Iduna Park.

Tactical story

Dortmund dominated possession and looked most dangerous when their wide players isolated Bremen’s full-backs, but their high defensive line left them exposed to quick counters. Werder Bremen’s plan was clear: absorb pressure, win the ball in midfield and attack the space behind Dortmund’s defence. It worked for long stretches, and the visitors created enough chances to have taken the game beyond regulation time.

Dortmund’s midfield ultimately won the battle in the final 15 minutes. Their ability to sustain pressure forced Bremen deeper, and the introduction of fresh legs in wide areas gave them the impetus for the winning goal. Bremen’s defensive effort was brave, but the quality of Dortmund’s late attacking play was the difference.

Standout performers

Adeyemi was the headline act for Dortmund, not only for the winning goal but for the threat he carried throughout. Brandt’s late runs into the box caused constant problems, while Guirassy’s hold-up play and finishing gave the home side a focal point. Gregor Kobel also made important saves, including a crucial stop in the second half that kept the score level at a key moment.

For Werder Bremen, Ducksch and Schmid were the standout performers. Ducksch’s movement and finishing kept his side in the game, while Schmid’s energy in midfield and his equalising goal underlined his importance to the team. Bremen’s goalkeeper also produced several saves to keep the tie alive until the final minutes.

Cup impact

The win sends Borussia Dortmund into the next round of the DFB Pokal and keeps their cup ambitions intact. For Werder Bremen, the exit will hurt, but their performance offered plenty of encouragement and showed that they can compete with one of Germany’s strongest sides in knockout football. Dortmund will know they must improve defensively if they are to go deep in the competition, but the character shown in the late stages is a positive sign.