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01 February 2025

Alemannia Aachen And Energie Cottbus Play To Goalless Draw

Cottbus maintains league lead with scoreless stalemate at Tivoli Stadium.

Alemannia Aachen faced Energie Cottbus on January 31, 2025, at the Tivoli Stadium, ending their encounter with a scoreless draw. This match marked the 22nd round of the 3. Liga, keeping the top-ranked Cottbus team unbeaten as they celebrated their 59th anniversary as a club.

The match began with intense energy from both teams, particularly the home side. Alemannia's supporters filled the stands, creating a charged atmosphere. Despite being the underdogs, Aachen fought fiercely from the outset, attempting to unsettle their opponents with aggressive pressing tactics. Cottbus, recognized for their combination play, initially struggled to find their rhythm against Aachen's relentless defense.

A key moment arrived just four minutes after the kickoff. Cottbus goalkeeper Elias Bethke, who returned to action after recovering from illness, showcased his skills by denying Aachen striker Kevin Goden from a tight angle. This early save set the tone for what would be a predominantly defensive first half.

Despite early pressure, chances remained scarce. The first significant opportunity for Cottbus was born out of a corner kick, delivered by Henry Rorig. Axel Borgmann, starring as the hero from the previous encounter, headed the ball, only to see it crash off the crossbar. The visitors pressed for more, but Aachen's defense, anchored by solid performances, rebuffed Cottbus's attempts.

Going back to the other end, Aachen generated sporadic moments of danger. Before the half, they had yet another chance thwarted by Bethke, again against Goden. His impressive reflexes kept the scores level, as the teams headed to halftime without any goals to show for their efforts.

The second half saw both sides making tactical adjustments. Cottbus brought on top-scorer Timmy Thiele to heighten their offensive game. Meanwhile, Aachen’s Gianluca Gaudino, who had newly extended his contract with the club hours before the match, entered the fray aimed at reinforcing his team's midfield.

Despite both teams pushing forward, neither could capitalize on their opportunities. A particularly promising chance arose for Cottbus when Phil Halbauer's shot from the left flank went directly to Aachen goalkeeper Jan Olschowsky, who confidently secured the ball and kept the match level.

Increasing tension filled the stadium as the match approached its final minutes. Aachen began to show signs of desperation with several late attempts at goal. Although they managed to amp up the pressure, Cottbus's defense, led by the astute positioning of Bethke and defender Henry Rorig, held strong during the chaotic injury time, maintaining the clean sheet.

At the whistle, both teams left the field with mixed emotions. While Cottbus remained at the top of the table, they knew they needed to perform more consistently, especially as Dynamo Dresden loomed close behind and could take advantage of any slip-ups.

Alemannia Aachen’s head coach Heiner Backhaus expressed his frustration post-match, noting the failure to convert scoring opportunities. He mentioned, "Es war aberwitzig. Wir rennen wieder Eins-gegen-Eins auf den Torwart...", indicating how difficult it was to find the back of the net, emphasizing their need to solidify their attacking choices moving forward.

On the other hand, Cottbus celebrated their birthday with positive notes; Thimmy Thiele remarked, "Unabhängig vom Tor oder der Torchance war es unfassbar schön..." reflecting on the beauty of participating in such tough matches, emphasizing his dedication to the team after overcoming personal hardships.

Overall, the match showcased the fierce spirit and determination of both sides, with Cottbus holding onto their position as league leaders. Both teams will need to refine their strategies as they prepare for upcoming encounters, with Aachen particularly eager to transform promising displays of quality football on the pitch to actual results as they seek to climb the league table.