Borussia M'gladbach Aim to Build DFB Pokal Momentum Against Karlsruher SC

Borussia M'gladbach vs Karlsruher SC - 10/27/2026

10/27/2026 316

Borussia M'gladbach and Karlsruher SC meet at Borussia-Park with both sides keen to extend their cup run after strong opening-round performances. M'gladbach hope to leverage home advantage and recent form, while Karlsruher look to cause an upset in this pivotal DFB Pokal second-round clash.

The last time Borussia M'gladbach and Karlsruher SC faced off in the DFB Pokal, it turned out to be an eventful encounter. M'gladbach secured a 3-1 victory, a result that showcased the narrow margins and moments of quality that can decide knockout football. In that October 2025 meeting, both teams split possession evenly at 50%. M'gladbach registered 26 shots, nine of which were on target, while Karlsruher managed a credible 12 total shots and five on goal.

The decisive moments were provided by the likes of Shuto Machino, who opened the scoring early, and Nico Elvedi whose goal turned momentum in the hosts' favor. Karlsruher's resilience was evident, pulling one back through Fabian Schleusener, but a late goal from Haris Tabakovic sealed the result for M'gladbach.

Assessing M'gladbach's overall record in the DFB Pokal, they have been particularly productive in this competition. Winning 62% of their last 26 matches, they've averaged an impressive 2.85 goals scored per game while conceding just 1.12. Their attacking output has translated to significant home performances, with three wins in their last six Pokal games at Borussia-Park and an average of two goals netted per outing while conceding just 0.83.

Recent trends also underline M'gladbach's proficiency in winning decisively, recording a two-goal margin or better in 50% of their last 12 Pokal fixtures. When they last played in this season's competition, they dispatched TSV Schott Mainz 5-0 away, controlling a whopping 78% of possession and firing 29 total shots—13 of them on target.

On the flip side, Karlsruher SC enter on the back of a closely-fought 2-1 win over Preußen Münster in the first round. Their attacking intent was evident, producing 15 shots with six on target. Karlsruher dictated play in that match, holding 56% possession and creating 60 dangerous attacks, demonstrating their ability to control spells of the game.

Karlsruher’s away form in this competition, however, raises questions. They have been winless in 16 of their last 20 away matches across all competitions and have lost 58% of their last dozen Pokal ties on the road. On average, they have conceded 2.25 away goals in those 12 matches, while scoring just 0.92.

The away side’s struggles defensively are mirrored in their broader trends. Karlsruher have been winless in 86% of their last seven matches in all competitions and lose by a two-goal or greater margin in 40% of their last 10 matches. Nevertheless, in the DFB Pokal specifically, they've won 58% of their last 12 matches and are undefeated in 13 of their last 15, reflecting a more resilient cup mentality.

Squad selection could play a key role. M'gladbach have several absentees, including Enzo Leopold, Franck Honorat, Jan Leszczyński, Tim Kleindienst, Fritz Fleck, Jens Castrop, and Nicolas Kühn. Karlsruher are without Moritz Broschinski due to injury. Using recent lineups and accounting for the sidelined players, the most probable starting XIs are as follows:

Borussia M'gladbach

Goalkeeper: Moritz Nicolas

Defenders: Fabio Chiarodia, Kevin Diks, Daiki Hashioka

Midfielders: Joe Scally, Florian Neuhaus, Philipp Sander, Lukas Ullrich, Zento Uno

Attackers: Hugo Bolin, Wael Mohya

Karlsruher SC

Goalkeeper: Hans Christian Bernat

Defenders: Christoph Kobald, Sandro Trémoulet, Marcel Franke, Viktor Bergh

Midfielders: Sebastian Jung, Santeri Väänänen, Kevin Wiethaup, Marvin Wanitzek, Noel Eichinger

Attacker: Shio Fukuda

Given M'gladbach’s scoring record in the Pokal and Karlsruher’s vulnerabilities on the road, the expectation is for the hosts to continue their strong form. The algorithm suggests a match with over 2.5 goals, most likely ending 3-0 to M'gladbach, who are rated with a 52% probability of victory.

While cup football can often diverge from league norms, all signs point to Borussia M'gladbach extending their positive Pokal record with another confident performance at home.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

DFB

Borussia M'gladbach Karlsruher SC 27/10/2026 20:45

522325

13-0

3 - 0

2.93

63°F

-200

-200 +333 +475 no no no

FT

2 - 0(1 - 0)

-

- - -