DFB Pokal: Cologne vs Bayern has confirmed lineups and live broadcast on Disney+ today

FC Cologne hosts Bayern Munich this Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the second round of the German Cup, the DFB Pokal. The match kicks off at 4:45 PM Brasília time at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany. The single-leg knockout tie decides direct qualification to the round of 16.

Bayern arrives unbeaten this season, with 13 wins in 13 matches across the Bundesliga and Champions League. Cologne aims to upset at home after a recent league loss to Borussia Dortmund.

Referee Tobias Welz officiates the game, averaging 0.17 yellow cards per match in his career. The broadcast airs exclusively on Disney+ for Brazilian viewers.

Cologne tactical setup

Head coach Lukas Kwasniok deploys a 3-4-2-1 system for Cologne, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions.

Marvin Schwäbe starts in goal, backed by a three-man defense of Cenk Özkaçar, Eric Martel, and Dominique Heintz. Full-backs Jusuf Gazibegović and Sebastian Sebulonsen provide width, while Denis Huseinbašić and Isak Jóhannesson anchor midfield.

Linton Maina and Jakub Kamiński support striker Marius Bülter. This setup targets counter-attacks against Bayern’s possession dominance.

Absences impact both squads

Several Cologne players miss out due to injury or suspension, forcing lineup adjustments.

• Said El Mala, Fayssal Harchaoui, and Timo Hübers injured.
• Luca Kilian, Emin Kujovic, and Jan Thielmann also unavailable.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany deals with similar issues but relies on squad rotation.

• Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Itō, and Jamal Musiala sidelined.
• Manuel Neuer suspended.
• Rav van den Berg out with fitness concerns.

These absences create opportunities for youngsters like Jonas Urbig and Tom Bischof.

Bayern fields versatile attack

Vincent Kompany lines up Bayern in a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing ball possession and high pressing.

Jonas Urbig guards the net in Neuer’s absence, protected by Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Josip Stanišić. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović shield the backline, with Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and Luis Díaz in creative roles.

Harry Kane leads the attack as the focal point. Bayern has scored 47 goals in 13 games this season, averaging 3.6 per match. This formation allows fluidity, with Olise and Gnabry switching positions.

Bayern won the last five head-to-heads against Cologne, including a 3-0 Bundesliga win in March 2025. Historically, the Bavarians hold the edge in DFB Pokal knockouts, winning six of eight meetings.

Leia Tambem

Uruguai anuncia lista de convocados para Copa do Mundo 2026 com seis jogadores do futebol brasileiro

Quando começa a Copa do Mundo 2026? Data, horário, primeiro jogo e cerimônia de abertura

Atlético anuncia contratação de Léo Duarte, zagueiro ex-Flamengo

Key individual matchups

Cologne’s Jakub Kamiński faces Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich in a pivotal midfield battle. Kamiński posted 65 creativity in recent games, while Kimmich reached 89 in key passes.

Harry Kane, Bayern’s top scorer with 12 goals this season, targets Cologne’s defense, which conceded 18 goals in 10 matches. Cologne’s Marius Bülter provided three assists, specializing in accurate crosses.

These duels shape the game’s tempo, with Bayern averaging 62% possession in recent outings.

Recent DFB Pokal form

Bayern advanced in the first round with a 3-2 win over third-division Wehen Wiesbaden, decided late. Cologne beat their opening opponent 2-0 via set pieces.

In past editions, Bayern lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2019 but exited in the second round the last three seasons. Cologne last won in 1983 and sits eighth in the current Bundesliga.

RheinEnergieStadion, capacity 50,000, averages 2.5 goals per domestic cup game.

Live broadcast options

The match streams live on Disney+ in Brazil, with Portuguese commentary and real-time analysis.

In Germany, DAZN 1 airs the game at 8:45 PM local time. DFB apps provide score updates and statistics.

Global platforms include Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US, ensuring broad coverage.

Knockout stage outlook

The tie tests Bayern’s unbeaten run against Cologne’s home motivation. Season data shows Bayern winning 74% of away games.

Referee Welz, with 150 elite matches, maintains a low card average, promoting flow. Fans expect 45,000 at RheinEnergieStadion.

This second round advances teams to the last 16, alongside fixtures like Mainz vs Stuttgart.