RB Leipzig Aim to Continue DFB Pokal Dominance at Essen

Essen vs RB Leipzig - 10/27/2026

10/27/2026 382

Under the floodlights of Stadion Essen, RB Leipzig arrive with the swagger of cup specialists, while Essen look to test themselves against elite opposition. Both teams have navigated the first round strongly, but Leipzig’s cup pedigree and relentless attack set a formidable challenge for the hosts.

An analysis of recent form and historical data paints a clear picture of the contest awaiting Essen. The hosts earned their spot in this round by dispatching St Pauli with an impressive 2-0 win, a match marked by efficiency in front of goal despite having just 40% possession and facing more attacks. Goals from Marek Janssen and Semir Telalovic helped secure the crucial progression, showing that Essen can convert limited chances and defend resolutely when necessary.

On the other hand, RB Leipzig’s first round was a clinical exhibition. Their 6-0 triumph over Eintracht Trier showcased a team in scoring rhythm and total control, outshooting Trier 28 to 7 and dominating possession with 72%. Leipzig produced 83 dangerous attacks and converted chances with ruthless efficiency, underlining their status as favorites in this DFB Pokal campaign.

Looking into their head-to-head, the last encounter between these sides offers insights on the probable patterns ahead. In their August 2024 clash, Leipzig ran out 4-1 winners at Essen, asserting their superiority with 17 shots, 58% possession, and 42 dangerous attacks compared to Essen’s 12 shots and 18 dangerous attacks. Xavi Simons and Lois Openda were central to Leipzig’s attacking play, and Leipzig’s performance confirmed a clear gap in quality, with Essen conceding late goals under persistent pressure.

Essen’s trends at home offer some confidence, especially in the wider context. Over their last 40 home matches in all competitions, they have remained undefeated in 85%, winning 10 of their last 12 at Stadion Essen. Defensive solidity is notable, keeping clean sheets in 41% of their last 27 home games. However, the step up in class in DFB Pokal matches is evident in the stats – they have lost three out of their last six at home in this competition and are winless in 83% of their same recent home cup ties.

RB Leipzig’s DFB Pokal record is a lesson in cup consistency. They have won 30 of their last 40 games in the competition, not tasting defeat in 26 of their previous 30 matches. The numbers further highlight their advantage, with 24 wins by two or more goals in their last 40 Pokal fixtures. This dominance especially manifests away from home, though an 88% winless rate in their last eight away outings in all competitions could suggest some vulnerability outside their preferred setting. But crucially, in the Pokal, these lapses are rare.

RB Leipzig have shown a habit of making fast starts and controlling the midfield. Their previous visit to Essen saw them open the scoring inside 12 minutes, dictating play with their superior ball retention and a constant wave of dangerous attacks. Expect a similar approach, with Leipzig opening up the pitch through wing play and quick transitions.

Squad fitness and absences will play a role in selection. Essen are missing a number of players through injury, notably Tony Menzel, Max Geschwill, Aiman Dardari, Marvin Obuz, Semir Telalovic, Jaka Cuber Potocnik, and Marek Janssen. This forces tactical adjustments for coach Uwe Koschinat, who will be looking to maintain the recent 4-2-3-1 setup that brought positive results. Key contributors like goalkeeper Jakob Golz and defenders Michael Kostka and Ben Hüning are likely to feature.

For Leipzig, the absence of Christopher Nkunku, Assan Ouédraogo, Marc Guiu, and Maxime Estève trims their depth but does not weaken the spine of a team rich in talent. Coach Martín Demichelis is expected to stick with a back four and midfield trio that combines physicality and technical skill, featuring Willi Orbán, Antonio Nusa, and Brajan Gruda at the heart of operations.

Here are the probable starting lineups based on recent choices and current injuries:

Essen

Goalkeeper: Jakob Golz
Defenders: Michael Kostka, Ben Hüning, José Enrique Ríos Alonso, Franci Bouebari
Midfielders: Noah Pesch, Dickson Abiama, Janne Sietan, Jannik Hofmann, Lucas Brumme
Attackers: Ruben Reisig

RB Leipzig

Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt
Defenders: Willi Orbán, David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Ridle Baku
Midfielders: Antonio Nusa, Neil El Aynaoui, Brajan Gruda, Nicolas Seiwald, Rocco Reitz
Attackers: Rômulo

Statistics and trend lines point toward a match controlled by RB Leipzig, who average 2.63 goals per game in the DFB Pokal and have been undefeated in 26 of their last 30 cup matches. The prediction algorithms strongly suggest another Leipzig win, with a 57% likelihood and a probable away victory by multiple goals. However, Essen’s strong home form in all competitions, along with their will to take their chances, could give Leipzig some resistance—at least early on.

With RB Leipzig’s attacking depth and cup record, Essen’s focus will be on minimizing damage and seizing set piece opportunities. If Leipzig are as focused as previous rounds and matches, a repeat of their previous encounter’s outcome is on the cards.

Home team
Away team

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Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

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Score

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DFB

Essen RB Leipzig 27/10/2026 18:00

251857

20-3

0 - 3

3.64

63°F

-556

+900 +700 -556 down no no

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1 - 2(1 - 0)

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