FC Copenhagen's Tactical Struggles Exposed in Defeat to Borussia Dortmund

FC Copenhagen's recent UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on October 29, 2025, at Parken Stadium, highlighted significant tactical challenges for the Danish side. Despite the home advantage, Copenhagen fell 4-2, marking their fourth consecutive game without a win in all competitions. This defeat not only extended Borussia Dortmund's unbeaten record against Copenhagen to five matches but also ended Copenhagen's impressive four-game unbeaten home run in European fixtures this season.

Copenhagen, under the guidance of coach Jacob Neestrup, set out in a 4-3-3 formation, a setup that intended to provide both defensive stability and attacking width. However, Dortmund's tactical acumen proved superior, effectively exploiting gaps and weaknesses in the Danish team's structure. The match pivoted on key moments, notably when Lukas Lerager's error led to a penalty, expertly converted by Ramy Bensebaini at the 60th minute, extending Dortmund's lead. This event underscored Copenhagen's defensive vulnerabilities, as they struggled to effectively contain Dortmund's dynamic attacking players throughout the match.

Felix Nmecha, named Man of the Match, was instrumental for Dortmund, demonstrating exceptional movement and positioning that repeatedly breached Copenhagen's defensive lines. His first goal was a testament to his ability to find space between the lines, while his second, scored in the final 15 minutes, sealed Dortmund's victory. Nmecha's performance was a masterclass in exploiting the half-spaces, an area where Copenhagen's midfield trio failed to assert control or provide adequate cover for their backline.

Despite the tactical setbacks, Copenhagen showed glimpses of potential, particularly in their transitional play. Fabio Silva's late goal highlighted their ability to capitalize on quick counter-attacks, yet these moments were too sparse to alter the overall outcome. Viktor Dadason's stoppage-time goal served merely as consolation, a brief reprieve in a match dominated by Dortmund's disciplined approach.

The defeat raises questions about Copenhagen's competitive consistency in Europe, with October proving a challenging month for Neestrup's squad. The urgency now lies in addressing these tactical deficiencies to restore form and confidence, as the team seeks to regain their competitive edge in upcoming fixtures.