On May 3, 2025, the TSV 1860 München faced off against Rot-Weiss Essen in a highly anticipated match at the Grünwalder Stadion. Both teams entered the game looking to bounce back from recent defeats, but it was Rot-Weiss Essen who emerged victorious with a decisive 3:1 win.
The match began with an emotional atmosphere as fans paid tribute to the late coach Werner Lorant, who had a significant impact on both clubs. A choreographed display from the 1860 supporters honored Lorant, emphasizing his legacy as a "Star of the Team - Legend of the Club." A moment of silence was observed before kickoff, setting the tone for a match filled with intensity.
Despite the emotional build-up, the first half saw a lack of goals, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The best chance for 1860 came early when Tunay Deniz's shot narrowly missed the target just 55 seconds into the game. However, as the half progressed, both sides failed to capitalize on their opportunities, and the teams went into the break at 0-0.
After halftime, the game quickly turned in favor of Rot-Weiss Essen. In the 65th minute, Torben Müsel opened the scoring for the visitors, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from 1860. Müsel found space in the box and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Marco Hiller, giving Essen a 1-0 lead.
Just four minutes later, it was Kaito Mizuta who doubled the lead for Essen. Following a corner kick, a scramble in the box allowed Mizuta to pounce on a loose ball, scoring from close range to make it 2-0. The momentum was clearly with the visitors, and the home team struggled to respond.
However, 1860 München did not give up easily. In the 78th minute, Jesper Verlaat scored a header from a corner, bringing the score to 1-2 and igniting hopes of a comeback for the Löwen. The home crowd erupted in cheers as Verlaat found the net, but their joy was short-lived.
Just four minutes later, Ramien Safi put the game out of reach for 1860. Following a long ball from goalkeeper Wienand, Safi raced past the defenders and calmly slotted the ball into the net, making it 3-1 for Essen. The goal effectively sealed the victory for Rot-Weiss Essen, who celebrated a crucial win in their fight for safety in the league.
Throughout the match, 1860's players struggled with discipline, as several key players were at risk of suspension due to accumulating yellow cards. Philipp Maier, Soichiro Kozuki, Max Reinthaler, Leroy Kwadwo, and Rene Vollath all faced potential bans, adding pressure to their performance on the pitch.
After the match, head coach Patrick Glöckner expressed disappointment in his team's performance, emphasizing the need for improvement in their upcoming fixtures. "We were too passive and didn't take our chances," he stated. "We need to learn from this and come back stronger in our next match."
For Rot-Weiss Essen, the victory was a significant boost as they secured their position in the league, moving further away from the relegation zone. Coach Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer praised his team's resilience, stating, "We showed great character today, especially after facing a tough opponent on their home turf. This win gives us confidence as we approach the final matches of the season."
This match marked the second consecutive defeat for TSV 1860 München, leaving them in a mid-table position with little to play for in the remaining weeks of the season. As both teams look ahead, the focus will be on finishing the season strong and addressing areas for improvement.
In the aftermath of the match, discussions surrounding the future of key players, including goalkeeper Marco Hiller, who has reportedly declined an extension on his contract, are expected to intensify. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments as the season draws to a close.
As the dust settles on this encounter, the focus now shifts to the next round of fixtures in the 3. Liga, where both teams will look to find their footing and finish the season on a high note.
