The FC Carl Zeiss Jena began its new year of competition with a commendable performance on January 31, 2025, managing to secure a 1-1 draw against Greifswalder FC. The match took place at Jena’s home ground and was met with enthusiasm from 5,814 fans supporting the home side.
Both teams entered the match with high hopes, especially Greifswalder FC, who had just come off a convincing 4-1 victory against Viktoria Berlin the previous weekend. Despite some early dominance from Greifswald, the match turned out to be competitive, and the drama unfolded as the game progressed after the halftime break.
During the first half, both sides struggled to create significant scoring opportunities. The guests from Greifswald were the more assertive team, applying pressure on Jena’s defense. Greifswald striker Osman Atilgan tested Jena’s goalkeeper Marius Liesegang with several shots, but the Jena keeper proved resilient, stopping Atilgan’s effort from close range at the 22nd minute. Moments later, Soufian Benyamina nearly opened the scoring with a powerful header, but Liesegang was quick to react, pushing the ball over the crossbar.
By halftime, both teams had failed to score, which some might argue favored Jena, considering how much they struggled to hold the ball. The hosts seemed cautious, opting for long balls rather than cohesive play. It was evident they needed to regroup and strategize for the second half.
Indeed, after the break, the pace of the game picked up. Just nine minutes after the resumption of play, Greifswald struck first. Terrific wing play from Rudolf Ndualu set the stage for Benyamina, who skillfully slotted the ball home using his heel to make it 1-0. His goal showcased not only his technical ability but also Greifswald’s counter-attacking prowess at 54 minutes. This goal set the tone for what many anticipated would follow — but Jena had other plans.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure of being behind, Jena responded vigorously. They upped their intensity and began to control the flow of the game. Finally, it all paid off when Ted Tattermusch netted the equalizer. A corner taken by Nils Butzen saw Benjamin Zank elegantly extend his neck, directing the ball toward Tattermusch, who rose above the defense to head it home from just short range at the 69th minute.
The stadium erupted with joy as the FCC fans celebrated their team’s comeback. The remaining minutes featured end-to-end action, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize effectively. Jena pushed for the lead, spurred on by their home fans, yet it was Liesegang who stood as Jena’s unsung hero, making yet another fantastic save late on as Greifswald’s Elias Kratzer broke through on goal.
Overall, the match ended 1-1, reflecting the fighting spirit of both teams. Jena’s second half was vastly improved, but they might linger on missed chances, especially with the game-opening moments dominated by Greifswald. Both sides pointed to areas of improvement, knowing they have the potential to perform even stronger as the season progresses.
This fixture marked the beginning of the 2025 competitive year for both squads, and for Jena manager Henning Bürger, the result was cherished for its potential to rebuild momentum.
The encounter served as evidence of the unpredictable nature of football, where resilience and grit can often lead to results, even when initially disadvantaged. With this draw, both teams would look to glean confidence from their fight back and carry it forward as they continue their campaigns.