Sabitzer's stoppage-time free kick sends Dortmund past Bremen into DFB-Pokal round of 16

Borussia Dortmund secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Werder Bremen in the second round of the DFB-Pokal on 27 October 2026, with Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer scoring a decisive free kick in stoppage time at Signal-Iduna-Park. Dortmund dominated the opening stages, with Serhou Guirassy scoring in the 6th minute and Carney Chukwuemeka in the 17th to establish a commanding 2–0 lead in front of 81,365 supporters. However, Bremen mounted an unexpected comeback through substitute Niclas Füllkrug, who equalized with goals in the 65th and 69th minutes, leaving the match finely balanced at 2–2.

With the tie hanging in the balance, Sabitzer produced a moment of quality in the closing moments, curling a free kick past Bremen's goalkeeper to restore Dortmund's lead and seal progression. The win marked a significant result for Dortmund, who had not advanced past the quarter-final stage in the previous five seasons. Defender Waldemar Anton acknowledged the team's defensive vulnerabilities, noting that both of Bremen's goals were avoidable, while midfielder Nico Schlotterbeck observed that Dortmund had grown nervous after the equalizer but ultimately held their nerve.

Bremen's manager Daniel Thioune praised his team's character in the comeback, stating they had shown "maximal impressiveness" in their revival from 0–2 down. Forward Niclas Füllkrug described the defeat as "one of the bitterest" of his career, while defender Marco Friedl expressed similar disappointment. Despite the loss, Thioune emphasized the team's resilience, though the late concession left Bremen to reflect on a missed opportunity. Dortmund will now focus on a top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich scheduled for the following Saturday.