On a thrilling Saturday afternoon at the Stadion an der Grünwalder Straße, Rot-Weiss Essen secured their place in the 3. Liga for another season with a decisive 3:1 victory over TSV 1860 München. The match, which took place on May 3, 2025, marked a significant moment for both teams, who have shown resilience throughout the season.
With both clubs having faced relegation threats earlier in the season, the stakes were high as they met for this crucial encounter. 1860 Munich came into the match sitting 9th in the league with 51 points, while Rot-Weiss Essen was just behind at 10th with 49 points. Despite their recent struggles, both teams had managed to pull themselves out of the relegation zone, making this match a battle of pride and a chance for a strong finish to the season.
The match kicked off at 14:05, a few minutes behind schedule, and began with a poignant tribute to 1860 Munich's legendary former coach Werner Lorant, who had recently passed away. The atmosphere was electric as 15,000 fans filled the stands, eager to support their teams.
Early on, it was clear that both sides were eager to assert themselves. Tunay Deniz had the first opportunity for 1860 Munich, but it was quickly matched by Ramien Safi's attempt for Essen. However, the first half saw limited chances, with both teams struggling to break down each other's defenses. By the 37th minute, 1860's goalkeeper Marco Hiller was called into action, making a crucial save from a free-kick delivered by Lucas Brumme.
As the first half concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, both teams regrouped, and it was clear that the second half would need a spark to ignite the scoring. That spark came just minutes after the restart. In the 65th minute, Torben Müsel opened the scoring for Essen, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Julian Eitschberger. Müsel's goal sent the traveling fans into a frenzy, and the momentum shifted firmly in favor of the visitors.
Just four minutes later, Kaito Mizuta doubled Essen's lead, scoring after a scramble in the box. Mizuta's quick reaction to a rebound showcased the determination of the RWE squad. With the score at 2-0, 1860 Munich faced an uphill battle, but they managed to respond in the 78th minute when captain Jesper Verlaat scored from a corner, reigniting hopes for the home side.
However, the joy for 1860 was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Ramien Safi sealed the victory for Rot-Weiss Essen with a clinical finish, making the score 3-1 and ensuring that the team would remain in the league for another season. The goal was set up by a brilliant long ball from keeper Felix Wienand, who had a standout performance throughout the match, making several key saves and providing the assist for Safi's goal.
After the final whistle, the mood among the RWE fans was jubilant. Many had traveled from Essen to support their team, and their efforts were rewarded with a crucial victory that confirmed their survival in the league. "Rechnerisch war immer noch alles offen, wir wollten es aber aus eigener Kraft schaffen," said Müsel, reflecting on the importance of the win. "What we have achieved in the second half of the season is incredible. It’s a huge weight off our shoulders, especially after the struggles we faced earlier in the season."
Coach Uwe Koschinat's decisions were vindicated, particularly his choice to start Wienand over the established Jakob Golz, a move that had sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Koschinat expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We have a very good impression of the individual players. It was important to put our best team on the field today to dispel any doubts about our survival."
For TSV 1860 München, the loss was a disappointing end to a month that had started with promise. Despite their recent strong performances, including four wins in five matches leading up to this game, the defeat highlighted the challenges they still face. Coach Patrick Glöckner acknowledged the need for improvement, especially after their recent narrow loss to Hansa Rostock.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial matches remaining in the season. Rot-Weiss Essen will face VfL Osnabrück in their final home game on May 11, while 1860 Munich will look to regroup and finish the season on a high note against SC Verl next week.
The match between these two historic clubs not only showcased the competitive spirit of the 3. Liga but also served as a reminder of the passion and dedication that fans bring to the game. With the season winding down, the focus now shifts to ensuring a strong finish and preparing for the challenges of the next season.
