A Late, Fiery Showdown Rescues the Struggling Borussia Dortmund
Former Football Star Frank Mill Passes Away, Dortmund Advances in DFB-Pokal
In a somber turn of events, former footballer Frank Mill, who played for both Rot-Weiss Essen and Borussia Dortmund, passed away on August 5, 2022, at the age of 67.
As the footballing world mourns the loss of a legendary player, let's take a look back at the historical encounters between Mill's former clubs in the DFB-Pokal.
Dortmund's Dominance Over Essen
The rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Rot-Weiss Essen in the DFB-Pokal has seen Dortmund emerge victorious on multiple occasions. In 2025, Dortmund secured a 1-0 win against Essen, with Serhou Guirassy scoring the winning goal in the 79th minute. This victory was not a one-off, as Dortmund had previously won 3-1 against Essen in both 2008 and 1982.
The 2025 DFB-Pokal Match
The 2025 match, played at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, was a closely contested affair. Marcel Sabitzer took the first shot on goal for Dortmund after just 34 seconds, setting the pace for the rest of the game. However, Essen's Ramien Safi nearly deflected the ball into Dortmund's goal in the 23rd minute, narrowly missing an upset.
Despite Dortmund's early struggles, they managed to hold on and advance to the second round of the DFB-Pokal, thanks in part to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Kobel played a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet, particularly in the 41st minute when he denied Safi a chance to score for Essen.
Tribute to Frank Mill
Fans of both clubs paid tribute to Frank Mill during the match, honouring his significant contributions to both teams throughout his career. Mill played for Rot-Weiss Essen for nine years and for Dortmund for eight years.
Substitutions and Second-Half Surge
After an hour of play, Niko Kovac, the Dortmund coach, brought on Jude Bellingham and Julian Brandt, making the Dortmund game more purposeful. These substitutions proved crucial, as Guirassy scored the winning goal in the 79th minute.
First Loss to Essen Since 1960
This was the first time Dortmund had lost to Rot-Weiss Essen since 1960, marking a significant milestone in the rivalry. The match, which was sold out with 19,300 spectators, saw Dortmund advance to the next round of the DFB-Pokal.
Debut for Filippo Mane
Due to injuries, 20-year-old Filippo Mane made his first competitive appearance for Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal match. Mane's debut was not without its challenges, as Dortmund struggled in the early stages of the game, allowing Essen to grow bolder.
Kovac's Frustration
Niko Kovac, the Dortmund coach, described the path to the title as "shortest". However, he grew increasingly frustrated on the sidelines as Dortmund struggled in the early stages of the match. Despite the challenges, Dortmund managed to turn the game around and secure a hard-fought victory.
In conclusion, the 2025 DFB-Pokal match between Borussia Dortmund and Rot-Weiss Essen was a testament to both teams' resilience and determination. As football fans around the world remember Frank Mill, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and on the field, where his former teams continue to compete with passion and skill.
Competition policy, as regulated by community and national legislation, ensures fair competition in sports, such as football, allowing teams like Borussia Dortmund and Rot-Weiss Essen to compete in tournaments like the DFB-Pokal.
Frank Mill, renowned for his remarkable football career with Rot-Weiss Essen and Borussia Dortmund, was not only a sports legend but also a significant figure in the community, whose influence continues to resonate amidst the ongoing rivalry between his former clubs.
