MSV Duisburg Dominates Union Nettetal 7-0 In Cup Semi-Final

On March 22, 2025, at the storied Wedaustadion, MSV Duisburg faced Union Nettetal in the semi-final of the Niederrheinpokal. With a commanding performance, Duisburg triumphed over their lower-league rivals, smashing them with a decisive 7-0 victory, setting the stage for a final showdown against Rot-Weiss Essen.

Duisburg, currently leading the Regionalliga West, approached the match with seriousness, as emphasized by their head coach Dietmar Hirsch. "We take them very seriously," Hirsch remarked, indicating his team’s focus on the task at hand. While Union Nettetal was struggling at the bottom of the Oberliga standings, for them, the cup match was a pinnacle moment of their season. Abteilungsleiter Dirk Riether commented, "In principle, we are with all teams from the club on-site – from the A youth to the G youth," showcasing the unity of the Nettetal supporters.

Fans poured into the stadium, with approximately 800 travelers expected from Nettetal, while overall attendance reached about 10,745, making for an exhilarating atmosphere. The match kicked off with Duisburg building momentum from the outset. And it didn’t take long for them to get on the scoreboard. Just six minutes in, Thilo Töpken found the back of the net, setting the tone for the match.

It was a blistering start for the Zebras. Within just five minutes, they extended their lead to 3-0, with Jakob Bookjans scoring in the 10th minute and Max Dittgen following suit just a minute later. With three goals before even eleven minutes had ticked off the clock, the match appeared all but decided. The stark difference in class was evident, leaving Nettetal to struggle for a foothold.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Nettetal fought bravely. They did manage one strong chance when Niklas Götte almost found the net in the 22nd minute, but Duisburg's defense held firm, notably with Tobias Fleckstein’s crucial block. Nettetal gradually began to push forward, but the fierce Duisburg side countered expertly, always maintaining their relentless pressure.

The second half saw no respite for Union Nettetal. Just three minutes in, Töpken struck again, netting his second goal and solidifying Duisburg's dominance at 4-0. From there, the home side continued to apply pressure, with Hirsch making tactical substitutions as the match progressed.

In the 74th minute, Steffen Meuer scored the fifth goal for Duisburg, continuing a wave of frustration for the visiting Nettetal supporters. And there was a special moment later in the 79th minute when Jannik Zahmel, in his first appearance after recovering from injury, was awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box. He converted it perfectly, marking a triumphant return to action.

Can Coskun sealed the impressive 7-0 scoreline with a stunning free-kick in the 85th minute, showcasing the depth and talent of the Duisburg squad. It was a match filled with not just tactical prowess but palpable emotion, particularly for Zahmel, whose efforts capping the score brought an ecstatic response from his teammates.

As the final whistle blew, the jubilation on Duisburg’s side contrasted with the disappointment for Nettetal, who despite the scoreline, had demonstrated commendable spirit. Post-match reactions were filled with optimism for Duisburg, who now set their sights on the Niederrheinpokal final, scheduled for May 24, against no less than Rot-Weiss Essen.

This victory reflects MSV Duisburg’s relentless pursuit of success as they navigate the complexities of league play and cup competitions, perfectly illustrated by their impending clash in the final. For Nettetal, although disappointing, the experience of playing at such a high level holds potential lessons for their ongoing battle against relegation in the Oberliga.

Their journey through the cup may have ended, but both teams look ahead with distinct aspirations.