Dortmund 3–2 Werder Bremen: Sabitzer's Late Winner Denies Füllkrug Cup Comeback

Sabitzer rescues Dortmund after dramatic Bremen comeback

Borussia Dortmund advanced to the DFB-Pokal round of 16 with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. Niko Kovač's side appeared to be in control after building a two-goal advantage during the opening 17 minutes. Serhou Guirassy broke the deadlock in the sixth minute before Carney Chukwuemeka doubled the lead. However, Bremen recovered in the second half following the introduction of former Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug. The forward scored twice in quick succession, including a penalty, to bring the visitors level. With extra time approaching, Marcel Sabitzer delivered the decisive moment. His stoppage-time free-kick restored Dortmund's advantage and secured qualification after a contest that featured two major changes in momentum.

Guirassy and Chukwuemeka give Dortmund dream start

The match began after a short delay caused by pyrotechnic smoke around Signal Iduna Park. Once play started, Dortmund immediately applied pressure. Maximilian Beier helped create the opening opportunity, with Julian Ryerson supplying Serhou Guirassy, who converted from close range in the sixth minute. Dortmund continued to threaten Bremen's defensive line. Beier briefly appeared to have doubled the advantage, but his effort was disallowed for offside. The second goal arrived in the 17th minute. Joey Veerman delivered towards the edge of the penalty area, where Jobe Bellingham helped direct the ball into Carney Chukwuemeka's path. The midfielder struck powerfully past goalkeeper Karl Hein to make the score 2–0. Bremen attempted to respond through Marco Grüll and other attacking movements, but Dortmund maintained their advantage until half-time.

Füllkrug scores twice against former club

Bremen coach Daniel Thioune introduced several substitutes during the second half, seeking greater attacking urgency. Niclas Füllkrug entered the match in the 59th minute and made an immediate impact. The visitors were awarded a penalty following a foul on Mick Schmetgens. Füllkrug converted from the spot in the 65th minute to reduce the deficit. Only three minutes later, he produced another important moment. The striker beat his marker and fired from outside the penalty area to equalise at 2–2. His two goals transformed a match that Dortmund had appeared to control. The turnaround was especially significant because Füllkrug had previously represented Dortmund and had also scored against his former club in the Bundesliga earlier in October. With Bremen growing in confidence, the visitors continued to attack and briefly appeared capable of completing an extraordinary comeback.

Sabitzer free-kick sends Dortmund into last 16

Kovač responded with further substitutions, introducing fresh players as Dortmund attempted to regain control. Both teams sought a decisive goal during the closing stages. Bremen remained dangerous, but Dortmund continued searching for a winner rather than settling for extra time. In the third minute of stoppage time, the hosts received a free-kick in a promising position outside the penalty area. Marcel Sabitzer stepped forward and curled his effort over the defensive wall into the net. The goal triggered celebrations at Signal Iduna Park and confirmed Dortmund's progression to the DFB-Pokal round of 16. The result ended a sequence of cup defeats against Bremen and provided another important victory for Kovač's team. For Werder, Füllkrug's double demonstrated impressive attacking resilience, but the late concession brought their cup campaign to an end. The five-goal contest underlined the importance of maintaining defensive concentration until the final moments of a knockout match.