Sabitzer Stunner Seals Dortmund Cup Thriller as Schlotterbeck Praises Big-Game Hero

Marcel Sabitzer secured Borussia Dortmund's passage to the DFB-Pokal round of 16 with a dramatic direct free-kick in the third minute of stoppage time, clinching a 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen after Dortmund surrendered a two-goal lead.

The Austrian international stepped up in the 93rd minute to beat Werder goalkeeper Karl Hein at the near post, avoiding an exhausting 30 minutes of extra time. Following the final whistle, Dortmund center-back Nico Schlotterbeck revealed that Sabitzer's match-winning strike went entirely against the defense's tactical expectations on the pitch, as detailed by Frühes-Tor.de match reporting.

Before Sabitzer took the dead-ball opportunity, Dortmund had positioned players anticipating a delivery into the penalty box. Schlotterbeck admitted in post-match comments broadcast on Sky Sport Germany that he had vocalized a different approach just seconds before the goal.

"He who scores is right," Schlotterbeck stated. While expressing full confidence in Sabitzer's shooting technique—noting the midfielder possesses an extraordinary foot and shot—Schlotterbeck confirmed he had initially urged Daniel Svensson to swing a cross into the area instead. Sabitzer ignored the call, took aim himself, and caught Hein off balance.

Schlotterbeck highlighted the goal as overdue redemption for Sabitzer, whom he argued had faced unfair public criticism across recent months. Comparing the strike to Sabitzer's decisive performance against Atlético Madrid in European competition, Schlotterbeck described his teammate as naturally built for defining moments on big stages.