On the evening of March 9, 2025, Rot-Weiss Essen secured a narrow but significant victory over SV Waldhof Mannheim with a score of 1-0. This win not only extended Essen’s unbeaten streak to seven matches but also kept them at a safer distance from the relegation zone, demonstrating their resurgence under coach Uwe Koschinat.
The match, played at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, marked the 27th game of the 3. Liga season. Both teams came to the field with recent positive performances, Einrichtung Essen holding five wins and one draw from their last six fixtures, and Mannheim also showing promise with their unbeaten run of three matches. For Essen, every point was precious as they sought to move away from the danger of relegation, making this encounter even more pivotal.
Ahmet Arslan was the star of the night, scoring the sole goal of the match with his stunning free kick just 24 minutes after kickoff. The free kick was awarded after what many deemed to be controversial contact between Arslan and Mannheim's Adrian Fein, as the referee Wolfgang Haslberger pointed to the spot just outside the penalty area. Despite the protests from Mannheim's players, Arslan stepped up and curled the ball expertly over the wall, finding the left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Jan-Christoph Bartels with no chance of saving it. This celebrated moment became the turning point of the match.
"Der einzige Tor der Partie fällt in der 24. Minute. Essens Ahmet Arslan kann Waldhof-Keeper Jan-Christoph Bartels mit einem sehenswerten Freistoß bezwingen," the report stated, reflecting on the impact of the goal.
Following the goal, Mannheimer players took control of the game, eager to equalize. They started to find their rhythm, showing increased urgency. Dreams of bouncing back surged after Felix Lohkemper came close to scoring, hitting the ball just over the bar during the 29th minute. Counterattacks from Essen continued, but the home side was now focused on maintaining their lead.
The first half ended with Essen leading 1-0. Despite the deficit, Mannheim had shown promise and resolve, forcing two yellow cards earlier on, with both Fein and Ferati receiving them, which put their participation at risk for the next match against SV Sandhausen.
The second half saw Mannheim bring all they had to the pitch, pressing Essen back and dominating possession. Their persistence was noted, as they bombarded the Essen goal with long balls and attempts shot after shot. Yet, the home team’s defense was resolute under pressure, led by goalkeeper Jakob Golz, who made key saves to preserve his team's slim lead.
Despite the pressure from Mannheim, they couldn't convert their chances effectively. Time and again they found themselves thwarted by Essen’s unyielding defense. For example, shortly after the break, Golz displayed acrobatics to deflect another strong shot from Lohkemper, keeping the Manheim attackers at bay. Each minute seemed to stretch as tension filled the air, especially for the home supporters, who were witnessing their team defend with everything on the line.
Moments of chaos erupted as the match continued toward the conclusion, showcasing how both teams were willing to give their all under immense pressure. Mannheim's Thalhammer and Gjasula exchanged yellow cards during the 60th minute, showcasing the match's intensity. Yet, it was clear being tied down at the bottom could mean serious consequences, especially the absence of two key players for the next important match.
With only moments remaining, Essen's defensive solidity was put to the test as Mannheim played to the whistle, hoping for any opportunity to secure the much-needed equalizer. They had perhaps their best chance late on when Mizuta’s effort on goal struck Bartels rather emphatically, leading to yet another heart-stopping corner kick for the home side. This allowed Kraulich to get his head on the ball, only for Voelcke to scramble it off the line, again emphasizing Essen's spirited defending.
"Mit dieser Niederlage bleibt die Trares-Elf weiter auf einem Abstiegsplatz," noted the match report, underscoring the steeper challenges ahead for Mannheim as they were slid down to the 18th place on the league table.
At the end of the day, the result may have been disappointing for Mannheimer coach Bernhard Trares and his squad, but it also served as a wake-up call. Despite their efforts, the match concluded with the home side triumphing, allowing them to relish their hard-earned victory.
The upcoming match on March 12 against SV Sandhausen looms on the horizon for both teams. Mannheim will need to rebound quickly, as they seek to climb back out of the relegation mire.
With this latest victory, Essen looks to build on their momentum and avoid slipping back as they prepare for their next challenge at Viktoria Köln. The stakes remained high and each match would be consequential as teams navigate through the anxieties of relegation battles.