Niclas Füllkrug produced a moment of individual brilliance but could not prevent Werder Bremen suffering a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Cup. The veteran striker came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning long-range effort, only for Marcel Sabitzer's stoppage-time free-kick to seal a cruel loss for the visitors at the Westfalenstadion.

Dortmund had built a commanding early lead. Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring in the sixth minute and Carney Chukwuemeka added a second 11 minutes later, giving the hosts a comfortable half-time advantage. Werder coach Daniel Thioune had opted to rest Füllkrug from the start, handing Cedric Itten his first start, but his side struggled to create without their main attacking threat.

Füllkrug's introduction and impact

The game shifted when Füllkrug entered the fray alongside Mitchell Weiser, Ludovit Reis and Senne Lynen. His impact was immediate. In the 65th minute, he coolly converted a penalty after Julian Ryerson had fouled Mick Schmetgens in the area, pulling a goal back for Bremen.

The equaliser was pure inspiration. Collecting the ball near the centre circle, Füllkrug nutmegged defender Waldemar Anton, drove forward and unleashed a powerful strike from 18 metres that flew into the net. The goal left observers stunned, with Fabian Kloß remarking he had never seen the striker score a goal like that before.

Record chase and late heartbreak

Füllkrug's double took his tally to an incredible 11 goals in nine competitive matches since returning to Werder Bremen in the summer. More impressively, he has now scored in six consecutive Bundesliga matches. He is closing in on Rudi Völler's 44-year-old club record of scoring in seven straight league games during the 1982/83 season. Another goal against TSG Hoffenheim in the next Bundesliga matchday would see him equal that historic mark.

His remarkable form has sparked talk of a Germany recall, but the 33-year-old was adamant post-match about his focus. "I'm playing for Werder," Füllkrug stated, making clear his priorities lie with his club. When asked how he maintains such a prolific run, he admitted, "I don't know either. But that's not what it's about. And that's the key: that it's not about that."

Despite his heroics, Bremen's night ended in bitter disappointment. Deep into added time, Marcel Sabitzer curled a superb free-kick past the goalkeeper to win the tie for Dortmund. Füllkrug described the last-second defeat as "very bitter." His next opportunity to continue his scoring streak and chase Völler's record comes when Werder Bremen host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Bristol City, meanwhile, continue their own campaign with an away fixture against Bolton on Saturday, 31 October.

Background and full detail: LiveScore