On the surface, the DFB Pokal Round 2 tie between Cottbus and RB Leipzig might look like a classic David vs Goliath match-up. But peel back the layers, and there’s ample intrigue awaiting. Cottbus, enjoying a remarkable run unbeaten in their last 5, face a Leipzig side brimming with Bundesliga pedigree and coming off a six-goal demolition job. With both clubs coming in hot, this clash in Stadion der Freundschaft demands attention—not just for the potential upset, but for the stories that could unfold.
Key figures to watch include Erik Engelhardt, whose sharp eye for goal has earned him 6 in his last 5 for Cottbus, and Christoph Baumgartner, RB Leipzig’s versatile midfield dynamo hitting form with 4 recent goals. It’s a duel of in-form finishers with a chance to tip the night’s script on its head.
On the statistical front, Cottbus have bagged 17 goals in their last 5 matches—an output that would make even top-tier strikers take notice. Their attack is undeniably in rhythm.
| 🏆 Tournament: | DFB Pokal 2025/26, Round 2 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion der Freundschaft, Cottbus |
| 🗓️ Date: | 28.10.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:45 CEST |
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Cottbus vs RB Leipzig Prediction
RB Leipzig enter this clash as clear favorites, with bookmakers giving them a strong edge thanks to their depth, Bundesliga-level squad, and high-intensity press. The best value bet here is the Asian Handicap (-2.0) for RB Leipzig, considering their control in recent cup and league outings. Expect their firepower and tactical structure, under the new stewardship of Ole Werner, to make a statement.
Still, Cottbus aren’t to be dismissed lightly—the energy and morale of five straight wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Stuttgart II, reflect a confident underdog refusing to show deference. Their attacking style, pressed into a 4-4-2, rewards directness: 17 goals in the last five, but at the price of defensive openness and a hefty 15 yellow cards. It’s a profile that invites both drama and vulnerability.
RB Leipzig, by contrast, look to dominate the ball (passing accuracy of 85%) and control matches, conceding just 9 yellows in their last five. Their 4-3-3 is relentless in squeezing the midfield, and with stars like Baumgartner and Bakayoko, their wing play is well calibrated. However, they aren’t immune to the occasional lapse—a 1-1 draw with Dortmund shows that a spiky underdog can breach their lines.
All told, this match leans towards a high-scoring game, with both teams offering attacking flair and defensive question marks. Expect goals, and don’t rule out Cottbus snatching a consolation on home soil.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | RB Leipzig -2.0 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 3.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Cottbus Recent Results and Form Analysis:
Five wins on the bounce is no fluke, and Cottbus’s run is built on an enterprising, high-risk approach, showcased most recently in a thrilling 4-3 victory against TSV Havelse. That match epitomized Wollitz’s philosophy: take the game to the opponent, keep the front line engaged, and back yourselves to outscore, not just outlast. Erik Engelhardt stands out: 6 strikes in his last five, terrorizing defenses with relentless movement, ably supported by Tolcay Cigerci’s creativity. Yet with 15 yellows in their last 5, the discipline could be their undoing against a clinical side like Leipzig.
RB Leipzig Recent Results and Form Analysis:
RB Leipzig are riding high after routing Augsburg 6-0. Their four-match unbeaten streak under Werner signals a squad regaining swagger, guided by Baumgartner’s surging runs and Lukeba’s assured defending. The 85% passing accuracy and 24 corners in the last five matches highlight Leipzig’s intent to dominate through possession and dynamic width. Yet, the single draw (1-1 v Dortmund) shows that even giants can stumble when pressured. The blend of youth and experience, with emerging threats like Ouedraogo and the class of Bakayoko, underscores Leipzig’s threat multiplier.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Cottbus | RB Leipzig |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 17 | 10 |
| Total shots | 63 | 58 |
| Free kicks | 61 | 46 |
| Corner kicks | 26 | 24 |
| Total fouls | 61 | 46 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 80 | 85 |
| Interceptions | 20 | 50 |
| Offsides | 9 | 8 |
🚨Read our full Cottbus vs RB Leipzig stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: RB Leipzig the favourite
- Moneyline Cottbus 8.00 | RB Leipzig 1.31
- Draw 6.00
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.56 | Under 2.5 2.35
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.15 | No 1.64
RB Leipzig are overwhelming favorites at nearly 1.3 across the board, reflecting their Bundesliga status and squad depth. Cottbus at 8.0 tells a story of long-shot hopes, but the high over/under on goals and strong BTTS odds nod to both side’s offensive approach and potential for fireworks. Bookies expect a Leipzig win, but are hedging with high BTTS prices, paying respect to Cottbus’s vibrant attack.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Cottbus. Source: Official Facebook
Possible Starting Lineups
Cottbus possible starting eleven

- GK: Alexander Sebald
- DF: Axel Borgmann, Tim Campulka, Henry Rorig, Anderson-Lenda Lucoqui
- MF: Tolcay Cigerci, J. Boziaris, Lukas Michelbrink, King Samuel Manu
- FW: Erik Engelhardt, Moritz Hannemann
This predicted lineup reflects Cottbus’s go-to 4-4-2, prioritizing structure in defense and quick transitions. Engelhardt is in devastating form, while Cigerci’s midfield energy is crucial for dictating play and chipping in with goals and assists. Borgmann and Rorig provide solidity at the back, but discipline will be vital—this group has racked up yellows lately and must walk a fine line between aggression and caution.
RB Leipzig possible starting eleven
- GK: Péter Gulácsi
- DF: David Raum, Castello Junior Lukeba, Willi Orbán, Ridle Baku
- MF: Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, Forzan Assan Ouedraogo
- FW: Antonio Nusa, Johan Bakayoko, Rômulo José Cardoso da Cruz
Expect RB Leipzig’s trademark 4-3-3 here, fostering fluidity in midfield and explosive width up front. The trusted core led by Gulácsi and Orbán brings necessary calm, while Raum and Baku offer overlapping willingness. Baumgartner pulls strings in the middle, supported by the promising Ouedraogo and Seiwald, while the front three’s youth offers goals and pace—a combination that’ll stretch Cottbus’s back line all night.
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RB Leipzig. Source: Official Facebook
My take on the Match
As much as the romantic in me wants to believe in a Cottbus Cinderella run, the numbers and form simply point to an RB Leipzig victory—one likely sealed with authority. Leipzig’s tactical discipline and attacking depth should overcome Cottbus’s brave charge, although I wouldn’t be shocked if the hosts contribute a memorable moment under the floodlights. My main pick: RB Leipzig -2 on the Asian Handicap, with a final tally in the range of 4-1 to the Bundesliga giants.
