The SV Sandhausen faced another setback in their quest for safety in the 3. Liga, suffering a 1:3 defeat to SC Verl on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This loss marks the eighth consecutive match without a victory for Sandhausen, who now find themselves five points adrift of safety as they prepare for a crucial match against TSV 1860 Munich on Wednesday.
Under the guidance of coach Kenan Kocak, Sandhausen entered the match with high expectations, hoping to turn around their fortunes after a dismal run that saw them claim just one win in their last 16 outings. The pressure was palpable, as the team needed a win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
In front of 3,000 spectators at their home ground, Sandhausen started the match with a determined attitude. They pressed high and sought to dominate possession early on. However, it was SC Verl who struck first, capitalizing on their first real chance of the game. In the 22nd minute, Berkan Taz pounced on a rebound after SVS goalkeeper David Richter denied Lars Lokotsch’s initial effort, slotting the ball into the net to give Verl a 1:0 lead.
Despite the setback, Sandhausen responded quickly. Just six minutes later, in the 28th minute, Dominic Baumann equalized for the hosts. A brilliant through ball from Besar Halimi found Luca Zander, who unselfishly set up Baumann for a simple tap-in into an empty net. The equalizer was a much-needed boost for the home side, providing a momentary lift amidst their struggles.
The first half ended with both teams locked at 1:1, a fair reflection of the play as both sides had their moments. However, the second half saw an increase in intensity. Sandhausen came out looking to take control, and they had two golden opportunities to take the lead. In the 54th minute, Granath found himself one-on-one with Verl keeper Philipp Schulze but was denied. Just a minute later, Halimi curled a shot that went agonizingly close, missing the left post.
As the half progressed, SC Verl began to assert themselves more. In the 69th minute, Eduard Probst, who had just come on as a substitute, scored a spectacular goal to put Verl back in front. Taz assisted Probst, who turned and fired a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Richter with no chance. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.
With time running out, Sandhausen pushed for an equalizer but struggled to break down a well-organized Verl defense. Their efforts were further punished when, in the 86th minute, Lars Lokotsch sealed the victory for SC Verl with a close-range finish following a corner kick. The goal was a result of poor marking from the Sandhausen defense, and it capped off a frustrating afternoon for the home side.
The final whistle confirmed a 3:1 victory for SC Verl, marking Sandhausen's 13th loss in their last 17 matches. The defeat leaves them firmly entrenched in the relegation zone, now sitting 18th in the league table with only 32 points from 31 games.
In the aftermath of the match, coach Kocak expressed disappointment but also a sense of urgency. "We need to find a way to convert our chances and stop conceding at critical moments. The fight for survival is on, and we must rally together for the upcoming matches," he stated. The players will need to respond positively in their next fixture against 1860 Munich, where a win is essential.
On the other hand, SC Verl’s victory propels them closer to the promotion playoff spots, now just four points behind Arminia Bielefeld, who occupy the third position. The team’s efficient performance highlights their strong form, having won four of their last five matches, showcasing their ambitions for the season.
As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the stakes could not be higher. Sandhausen needs to harness the urgency of their situation and find a way to secure crucial points in the coming weeks, while SC Verl aims to continue their climb up the table.
With the next round of matches approaching quickly, fans will be keenly watching how both teams respond. Will Sandhausen find their way back to winning form, or will Verl continue their push for promotion? The answers will unfold in the coming days.
