On April 25, 2025, Hansa Rostock faced off against TSV 1860 München in a crucial match for both teams in the 3rd Liga, aiming to maintain their hopes for a playoff position. The match took place at the Ostseestadion in Rostock, and the stakes were high as both teams were vying for a chance to climb the league table.
Hansa Rostock emerged victorious with a narrow 1:0 win, thanks to a stunning goal from young talent Felix Ruschke in the 48th minute. Ruschke, just 22 years old, struck the ball perfectly from the edge of the penalty area, leaving 1860's goalkeeper Marco Hiller with no chance as the ball found the back of the net. This goal not only secured the three points for Hansa but also kept their dreams of promotion alive.
The match began with both teams showing intensity, but the first half was largely uneventful in terms of scoring opportunities. Hansa seemed to struggle to break through 1860's solid defense. Captain Franz Pfanne and young midfielder Benno Dietze both attempted long-range shots in the first half, but neither managed to hit the target, with their efforts going wide.
After a lackluster first half, Hansa Rostock came out strong in the second half. Dietze played a crucial role in the build-up to Ruschke's goal, providing an assist that allowed Ruschke to unleash his powerful left-footed shot. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Rostock took the lead, and the momentum shifted in their favor.
As the game progressed, Hansa continued to assert their dominance. Defender Ahmet Gürleyen nearly doubled the lead with a header in the 70th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the target. In the 81st minute, substitute Tim Krohn had a chance to extend the lead with a header, but Hiller made a spectacular save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar.
Despite their defensive struggles, 1860 München began to find their footing as the match wore on, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resilient Hansa defense. In the closing minutes, the tension escalated when Thore Jacobsen of 1860 received a yellow-red card in the 89th minute, reducing his team to ten men and sealing their fate.
The loss for 1860 München marked the end of a four-game winning streak and left them in seventh place in the league standings with 51 points, seven points adrift of the relegation playoff spot. The team had come into the match with high hopes, especially after their impressive form leading up to the game. Coach Patrick Glöckner, who has a history with Hansa, was eager to capitalize on their recent successes, but the defeat dampened their playoff aspirations.
Before the match, 1860 München paid tribute to their late former coach Werner Lorant, who passed away on Easter Sunday. Lorant had a significant impact on the club, leading them from the Bayernliga to the Bundesliga during his tenure from 1992 to 2001. The players donned mourning bands in his honor, adding an emotional layer to the match.
Looking ahead, both teams still have a chance to vie for a playoff position, but they will need to perform consistently in their remaining fixtures. Hansa Rostock is now just four points behind the relegation playoff spot, while 1860 München will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention. Coach Daniel Brinkmann of Hansa expressed his determination to win all remaining matches, stating, "We want to win all five games and then see where we stand."
This victory not only boosts Hansa Rostock's confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season as teams jockey for position in the tightly contested 3rd Liga.
