As the Sachsenpokal quarterfinal approaches, the Chemnitzer FC is gearing up for an exhilarating showdown against the FC Erzgebirge Aue, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 15:00. With nearly 15,000 tickets sold out, including about 2,000 for the visitors, the excitement in Chemnitz is palpable. This pivotal match offers both the host team and their fans a chance to witness a thrilling encounter, with CFC looking to capitalize on their previous success against a third-division opponent.
CFC's triumph in the third round against Dynamo Dresden (3:1) has elevated spirits, as Coach Benjamin Duda remarked on the importance of this derby. "This will be a career highlight for many players, including myself as the coach. The atmosphere is electric due to the rivalry and the significance of a cup match," he told MDR. With all 14,812 tickets sold, including a substantial turnout expected from Aue supporters, the match highlights the community’s passion for football.
In preparation for the event, CFC has prioritized safety, holding 17 meetings with authorities to ensure an organized atmosphere. Game day will see 225 security personnel on site to maintain order, alongside a police presence ready to manage the anticipated frenzy of supporters. Despite a rocky period in the Regionalliga, wherein the team managed only one win in the last four matches, the coach is optimistic. "We've already eliminated the league leaders from the competition; playing with our fans behind us gives us a real shot on Saturday," Duda asserted, emphasizing the team's determination to leave everything on the pitch.
Conversely, Aue arrives with significant challenges. Coach Jens Härtel faces a precarious situation, stating that the team is struggling with injuries, with five key players—Marvin Stefaniak, Marcel Bär, Can Özkan, Niko Vukancic, and William Kallenbach—definitely out of action. Härtel expressed concern over the squad thinness, indicating that if the injuries persist, he may have to pull players from the U-19 setup to fill the ranks. "The number one goal is winning this cup match, and despite our crisis, we will strive to find a way," he stated. The absence of Bär, who has netted 11 goals this season, leaves a significant void in their offensive capabilities.
Härtel is taking the challenge in stride, citing past encounters that have posed challenges not easily dismissed. "We've lost to Chemnitz before; in fact, just two years ago we faced them and lost 0:3 at their ground. It was humiliating," he reflected, alluding to Aue's recent history against Chemnitz and stressing the need for the team to rise to the occasion. As the match approaches, he has noted a few key aspects of Chemnitz’s gameplay to pay special attention to, including their speed and set-piece efficiency. Härtel noted, "They have tall players who can pose threats during corner kicks and free kicks, which we must be prepared for."
The atmosphere of expectation is further amplified by the local rivalry. Härtel articulated the excitement surrounding this fixture, remarking that the last time the stadium was filled to capacity was in 2017—indicating how much weight this match carries for both sets of fans. He described the venue as "the Bermuda Triangle of East German football," rich with history and anticipation. The fervor leading to the game from both supporters and players reflects a readiness that promises a captivating footballing spectacle.
As Chemnitz readies to face Aue this Saturday, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the opportunity to advance both in the Sachsenpokal and the possibility of setting a tone for future encounters, this electrifying encounter could define the trajectory of both clubs for the remainder of the season. As fans and players look forward to the kickoff, the hope is that the match will live up to the great expectations resting upon it.
Regardless of the outcome, both coaches understand the immense significance of this clash. As Duda and Härtel prepare their squads, the emphasis remains on fighting for every ball and cherishing the occasion that epitomizes regional football rivalry. The focus will be on sportsmanship and the joy of the game, promising that the fans will witness a thrilling encounter on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
