The DFB-Pokal continues with an intriguing clash between Fortuna Düsseldorf and SC Freiburg, two sides currently experiencing very different moments in their respective leagues. Düsseldorf, struggling in the 2. Bundesliga, will look to use the cup as a chance to regain confidence after a series of disappointing results. Freiburg, meanwhile, arrive as the Bundesliga representatives and clear favorites to progress, even after a recent setback in domestic competition. The match promises to be a test of resilience for the hosts and a chance for the visitors to reaffirm their consistency in knockout football.

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Fortuna Düsseldorf enter this DFB-Pokal fixture amid a worrying run of form. The team has lost its last three league matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hertha BSC on October 25, 2025. Over their last five games in all competitions, Düsseldorf have recorded just one win, suffering four defeats and failing to find attacking rhythm. They have averaged 0.8 goals scored per match while conceding 1.8, a statistic that highlights their current defensive fragility.

At home, the situation has been particularly concerning. In the 2. Bundesliga this season, Düsseldorf have lost four of their five home fixtures, managing only a single goalless draw. Their inability to capitalize on home advantage has become a recurring issue, and facing a top-flight opponent like Freiburg will demand a significant improvement. Despite these struggles, Düsseldorf’s DFB-Pokal record this season offers a glimmer of hope: they won their only cup match so far, scoring four goals but also conceding twice. Historically, their cup games tend to be open affairs — Over 1.5 goals have been scored in each of their last 11 DFB-Pokal matches, and there has been at least one first-half goal in all of them.

However, the team’s tendency to start slowly remains a problem. Düsseldorf have trailed at half-time in their last three DFB-Pokal appearances, a pattern they must break if they hope to challenge Freiburg. Their head-to-head record against the visitors is slightly positive (three wins, one draw, one defeat), but the last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-2 loss back in February 2020. Given their current form, the hosts will need a near-perfect performance to cause an upset.

SC Freiburg’s Recent Form and Key Stats

SC Freiburg come into this match as the clear favorites, even though they recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. That result, however, does not overshadow their overall consistency this season. In their last five matches, Freiburg have registered one win, three draws, and one loss, maintaining a balanced goal record of 1.0 scored and 1.0 conceded per game. Their defensive organization and tactical discipline have been key strengths under coach Christian Streich, who continues to build on the club’s steady progress in recent years.

In the DFB-Pokal, Freiburg’s record is impressive. They have won their last cup match comfortably, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet. The team has also shown remarkable attacking consistency in this competition: they have scored at least one goal in each of their last 17 DFB-Pokal games and in all of their last 12 away fixtures in the tournament. Furthermore, Over 1.5 goals have been recorded in each of their last 16 DFB-Pokal matches, confirming their ability to produce entertaining and effective football.

Freiburg’s away form in the cup is particularly strong. They have scored in every one of their last 12 away games in the competition, and Over 0.5 goals in the second half has occurred in each of their last 11 DFB-Pokal outings. Their matches also tend to be tactically controlled, with Under 10.5 corners recorded in 19 of their last 20 away cup fixtures — a sign of their compact and efficient style. With such consistency, Freiburg appear well-equipped to handle the pressure of a knockout tie, even on the road.

Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg Prediction and Tactical Overview

This DFB-Pokal encounter presents a classic cup storyline: a struggling second-division side hosting a stable Bundesliga outfit. Fortuna Düsseldorf will rely on home support and the unpredictability of cup football to challenge the odds, but their recent performances suggest a difficult evening ahead. Their defensive lapses and lack of cutting edge in attack have been costly, and facing a disciplined and cohesive opponent like SC Freiburg could expose those weaknesses further.

SC Freiburg, on the other hand, have developed into one of the most consistent mid-table Bundesliga teams, capable of adapting to different match contexts. Even though they lost to Leverkusen, their overall structure and teamwork remain solid. The Breisgau side’s ability to control possession, press effectively, and exploit transitions should give them the upper hand against a Düsseldorf team low on confidence. While the hosts may look to frustrate their visitors early on, Freiburg’s superior organization and attacking balance make them strong candidates to advance.

Historically, matches between these two sides have been competitive, but current form and squad quality point clearly toward the Bundesliga team. Unless Düsseldorf can rediscover their scoring touch and tighten up defensively, Freiburg’s experience and composure are likely to prevail.

Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Fortuna Düsseldorf win (1) with a 40% probability. The SC Freiburg win (2) follows closely at 37%, while the Draw (X) stands at 24%.