Dortmund vs Wolfsburg Head-to-Head

When Dortmund vs Wolfsburg head-to-head is brought to the table, what unfolds is a fascinating story of rivalry, balance, shifts in momentum, and enduring patterns. Borussia Dortmund have long been the dominant force, yet in many encounters, Wolfsburg have shown they can make things very uncomfortable. In this article, DuitKick accompanies you through the full spectrum: statistics, memorable matches, tactical trends, and what to expect next when these two German clubs meet.

Table of Contents

Historical overview of their rivalry

The fixture between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg spans multiple decades, featuring in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and occasional cup or league comparisons. While not among the fiercest “derbies” in German football, it is one that often carries significant weight—especially when the standings are tight.

According to comprehensive head-to-head records, the two sides have faced one another around 56 times in competitive matches. In that span:

Dortmund have claimed 34 wins
Wolfsburg have emerged victorious in 12 matches
10 matches ended in a draw

These figures underscore Dortmund’s historical edge, with a win rate around 61 % in their direct confrontations.

In terms of goals, Dortmund have put in 119 goals versus 59 conceded—a clear indicator of their attacking advantage across the years.

Still, that’s only part of the story: some of Wolfsburg’s victories have come at crucial moments, often leveraging tactical discipline or capitalizing on Dortmund’s vulnerabilities.

Recent trends and performance dynamics

Understanding recent patterns can help us forecast future duels. Let’s break them down:

Shift in momentum & form

In recent seasons, the gulf has occasionally narrowed. Wolfsburg have pulled off surprise wins, especially at home, and have managed to frustrate Dortmund by playing compact, counter-attacking football. In the 2024–25 and 2025–26 campaigns, Wolfsburg’s ability to defend resolutely and hit on transitions has shown flashes of effectiveness against their rivals.

Goals, over/under, and scoring tendencies

Analysis of head-to-head matches reveals:

Over 1.5 goals tends to be common—most matches see at least two goals shared between both sides.
Over 2.5 goals also appears frequently: about 60–65 % of the time in their direct meetings.
Yet it’s not always a goal-fest—some matches have been tight, low-scoring affairs.
Regarding BTTS (Both Teams To Score), it’s a balanced pattern: often both sides hit the net, but there are many exceptions where one side is kept off the scoresheet.

Home vs away performance

Dortmund’s record at home against Wolfsburg is especially strong: they rarely lose on their turf in these matchups. Wolfsburg’s rare victories on the road have been particularly celebrated by their fans. The pressure of the Westfalenstadion, combined with Dortmund’s attacking depth and local support, has often tilted the scales.

Memorable matches to remember

To breathe life into stats, here are some confrontations that still echo among fans:

Dortmund 6–0 Wolfsburg (May 2023): A crushing home display, with Dortmund completely dominating in every department.
Wolfsburg 1–0 Dortmund (October 2024, DFB-Pokal): A knockout cup upset, where Wolfsburg grounded their rivals and grabbed a narrow but precious win.
Dortmund 4–0 Wolfsburg (May 2025): Reinforcing Dortmund’s superiority, controlling the match.

These games are not just results—they’re emotional markers. For Dortmund fans, they reassert dominance. For Wolfsburg supporters, they are proof that on the right day, their club can overturn expectations.

Tactical and strategic insights

When Dortmund vs Wolfsburg head-to-head analyses turn tactical, a few themes emerge:

Pressing and space exploitation
Dortmund often apply high pressure, especially in the opponent’s half, seeking to provoke errors. Wolfsburg must be precise in build-up play to avoid being caught.

Transition speed

Wolfsburg’s most dangerous moments often come. Set-pieces and dead-ball moments
In tight matches, set-pieces can tilt the balance. Wolfsburg have sometimes scored, and Dortmund must be wary—not to leave zones unguarded.
Midfield control
Winning the battle in midfield is often a determinant. Dortmund aim to dominate possession and create through-zone passes; Wolfsburg try to disrupt and negate.

In matchups where Wolfsburg have pulled off surprises, they’ve been the more disciplined, better-structured team.

What to watch in the next Dortmund vs Wolfsburg game

Heading into future contests, here are key markers to follow:

First 20 minutes: Dortmund try to take early control. If Wolfsburg can stay solid and absorb pressure, they can stay competitive.
Substitutions’ impact: Fresh legs in the 60–75 minute window can tip the balance—especially.
Defensive lapses: Dortmund have occasionally been vulnerable when transitioning quickly. Wolfsburg will try to exploit that.
Psychological edge: Recent wins or losses play into confidence and momentum. Dortmund’s home record gives them a psychological edge, but Wolfsburg can play spoiler.

Also, betting and statistical models often lean toward Dortmund, especially at home. But Wolfsburg’s capacity to frustrate—even in defeat—is part of what makes this matchup compelling.