Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction 18 August 2025

Essen, who currently compete in the 3. Bundesliga, finished in a respectable eighth place during the 2024/25 campaign. The new season has already kicked off for the Red and Whites, with their first two fixtures against 1860 Munich and Havelse both ending in 1:1 draws.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, enter the cup tie as heavy favorites. Thanks to a remarkable late surge in the Bundesliga, the Black-and-Yellows secured fourth place last season and a spot in the Champions League group stage. This summer, they tested themselves against international opposition, reaching the round of 16 at the Club World Cup and playing high-profile friendlies — thrashing Zigen 8:1, edging past Lille 3:2, and narrowly losing 1:2 to Juventus.

Given the gulf in quality and depth, Dortmund are expected to dominate proceedings. Essen will rely on home advantage and their fighting spirit, but the visitors are likely to approach the cup seriously this season, aiming for a convincing victory against lower-league opposition.

Borussia Dortmund to win with -1.5 Asian handicap 1.65