Nmecha – Foto: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com
Felix Nmecha scored at the 19th minute of the first half, putting Borussia Dortmund ahead against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League. The German midfielder struck from outside the box with a well-placed shot that beat goalkeeper Kotarski, in a match played at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The game, valid for the third round of the group stage, remains ongoing in the first half, with the score at 0-1 for the visitors.
The clash reflects both teams’ need for points in the competition. Dortmund has five points and sits in ninth place, while Copenhagen has two points and is 27th in the standings.
The first half has been marked by physical battles and frequent fouls, with the referee managing the pace from the opening whistle.
20′ Ist das gut! Schwarzgelb spielt sich in aller Ruhe in den Sechzehner, Guirassy behält die Übersicht und legt zurück auf Jobe. Auch der bleibt gelassen, leitet weiter auf Nmecha und der katapultiert das Ding ins Dänen-Netz! Dortmunder Führung!
⚪️🔵 0:1 ⚫️🟡 #UCL pic.twitter.com/PI64OzuYRv
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) October 21, 2025
Tactical setups prioritize quick transitions
FC Copenhagen lined up in a 4-4-2, with Kotarski in goal and a forward duo of Moukoko and Claesson. This setup aims to exploit counterattacks but leaves gaps in central defense.
Borussia Dortmund opted for a flexible 3-4-3, with Kobel in goal and Guirassy leading the attack. Nmecha played as a box-to-box midfielder, enabling his advance for the decisive goal.
This formation allows Dortmund to control possession, holding 52% by the 19th minute, while Copenhagen focuses on long balls to the wings.
Early moments set a physical tone
At two minutes, Hatzidiakos committed a foul on a Dortmund move, causing the first stoppage. The game quickly turned physical.
Claesson tested Kobel at five minutes, but the goalkeeper saved comfortably, keeping the score level early on. Larsson tried at seven, with his shot blocked by the visitors’ defense.
At 14 minutes, Beier received a yellow card for a foul, raising the foul count to six in the period.
Schlotterbeck added to the stoppages at five minutes with another foul, forcing Copenhagen to adjust their defensive positioning.
Nmecha’s goal and immediate reactions
Nmecha recovered the ball in midfield and advanced about 30 meters before striking centrally. The shot, with a slight curve, caught Kotarski off guard.
Dortmund celebrated swiftly, with Guirassy and Brandt joining to boost team confidence. Coach Niko Kovač signaled from the touchline to maintain pressure.
Copenhagen responded with Achouri at 15 minutes, but Dortmund’s defense blocked the attempt, preserving the lead.
Moukoko, a former Dortmund player, committed a foul at 17 minutes in a midfield duel, adding tension and another stoppage.
Recent form underlines distinct motivations
Borussia Dortmund beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the previous round, with goals from Svensson, Chukwemeka, Guirassy, and Brandt. This performance raised their goal tally to eight in two matches.
Copenhagen drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in their opener but lost 2-0 to Qarabag next. The Danish side concedes an average of two goals per game in the competition.
In head-to-head history, the teams drew 1-1 in the 2022 Champions League, with Dortmund holding an edge in other past encounters.
Injuries impact both sides: Copenhagen has seven absences, including Delaney, while Dortmund misses Emre Can.
Absences force midfield creativity
Dortmund paired Bellingham with Nmecha to cover Can’s absence, forming a young duo averaging 22 years old. This choice brought mobility and led to the goal.
Copenhagen deployed Gabriel Pereira at right-back to compensate for Delaney’s absence in midfield. The team maintains an average of six corners per game, focusing on high pressing.
Guirassy, with two UCL goals, played centrally, supported by Brandt’s wing play. This tactic exploits weaknesses in Copenhagen’s marking, evident in recent losses.
Moukoko faced his former club with tight marking, but his foul at 17 minutes highlighted the personal rivalry.
Live stats highlight partial dominance
By the 19th minute, Dortmund had four shots compared to Copenhagen’s two, with possession split at 52% for the Germans. The game has seen 12 fouls.
- Dortmund’s goals in the Champions League: 8 in 2 matches;
- Copenhagen’s fouls in the first half: 6;
- Dortmund’s average possession in European games: 58%;
- Yellow cards so far: 4.
These stats indicate fast transitions, with Nmecha’s goal shifting the balance. The first half continues with Dortmund in control, but Copenhagen seeks a response at home.
The match remains open, with potential for more action in the final minutes of the first half. The Champions League retains its unpredictability in this phase.
