Kovac warns: Dortmund's top game against the strong 1. FC Köln!
On October 25th, 2025, Borussia Dortmund will face 1. FC Köln in the top Bundesliga game. Kovac warns of Cologne's strengths.

Kovac warns: Dortmund's top game against the strong 1. FC Köln!
There will be an exciting duel in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m.: Borussia Dortmund welcomes 1. FC Köln. The game is not only very important for the fans, but also for the teams themselves, both of whom are hoping for important points. Dortmund plunged into the Champions League game with fresh self-confidence thanks to a commanding victory in Copenhagen.
Coach Nico Kovac warned his players in advance to concentrate as much as possible. He demands that the team be wide awake from the first minute so as not to underestimate the strong newcomer Cologne. “We absolutely need the three points in the Bundesliga,” said Kovac. His team has a lot to lose with a place in the top region of the table, as Cologne is only two points behind Dortmund and has established itself as a serious opponent this season.
Cologne's rise and strong offensive
The Cologne team is particularly characterized by their fast and vertical style of play. Coach Steffen Baumgart's team is not afraid to look for quick deals and thus represents a challenge for Dortmund's defense. Kovac describes Cologne as an extremely unpleasant opponent who has proven this season that they can keep up with the big teams in the league.
One player is particularly fond of Kovac: Saïd El Mala, who is only 19 years old, has established himself as an important part of the Cologne game in recent weeks. With three goals scored, El Mala not only contributed to his team's success, but also significantly increased his market value - from 15 million to 18 million euros. This shows that he is being traded as a future star in the Bundesliga. “It’s not just him, Cologne has a lot of good players,” warns Kovac about the other talents in the squad.
Dortmund's home strength
Despite the challenges that Cologne brings, Dortmund is historically strong on home soil. In the last 24 home games against 1. FC Köln, Borussia have only lost once, and that was almost five years ago. This self-confidence could be a decisive advantage for the team, but Cologne's current form should not be underestimated.
The anticipation for the game is high and both fans and players are excited to see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling encounter. The pressure to secure three points is on both Dortmund and Cologne and it remains to be seen which team has the better day.
As the game gets closer and closer, the question remains open: Will Dortmund live up to their role as favorites, or will Cologne pull off a surprise against the black and yellow?