In a dramatic and heartbreaking conclusion to their season, SV Sandhausen was officially relegated to the Regionalliga Südwest after a disheartening 3-0 defeat against Hansa Rostock on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This match marked the end of a turbulent journey for the club, which had once been at the top of the 3. Liga standings earlier in the season.
The home side, SV Sandhausen, entered the match at the GP Stadion am Hardtwald knowing that only a victory could keep their slim hopes of survival alive. However, the reality was grim; they had collected only six points since being atop the league table on the 14th matchday. The defeat against Hansa Rostock confirmed their status as the bottom team, sealing their fate as they finished the season with just 32 points.
Sandhausen’s struggles were evident throughout the match. In the first half, they had a clear opportunities but failed to convert them into goals. David Otto had the first significant chance in the 8th minute, but Hansa's goalkeeper, Benjamin Uphoff, was quick to respond, making a crucial save. Uphoff continued to deny Sandhausen with impressive saves, including a header from Sebastian Stolze in the 26th minute and a one-on-one situation against Marco Schikora shortly before halftime.
Despite their efforts, the first half ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate, leaving the home fans anxious about what was to come. Coach Dennis Diekmeier had emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding simple mistakes, but the second half would tell a different story.
Just five minutes into the second half, disaster struck for Sandhausen. A handball by Edvinas Girdvainis in the penalty area allowed Hansa Rostock’s Adrien Lebeau to convert a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in Rostock’s favor.
Things went from bad to worse for Sandhausen as Tim Krohn, who had just been substituted in, scored just 19 seconds after entering the pitch in the 61st minute. Krohn's composed finish doubled the lead for Hansa, leaving the home team reeling.
As the match progressed, it became increasingly clear that Sandhausen's hopes were fading. They attempted to rally but were unable to find the back of the net. Meanwhile, Hansa Rostock continued to threaten on the counterattack. Jan Mejdr capped off the scoring with a goal in the 87th minute, sealing the 3-0 victory for the visitors.
With this loss, SV Sandhausen’s relegation was confirmed after 17 years of professional football. The club had dropped from the 2. Bundesliga to the 3. Liga in 2023 with aspirations of a quick return, but those dreams crumbled this season under the weight of poor performance and a lack of consistent results.
Sandhausen's management, including president Jürgen Machmeier, had hoped for a turnaround, even offering a non-relegation bonus of 300,000 Euros to motivate the players. However, the team’s struggles persisted despite changes in coaching staff and tactics. Coach Kenan Kocak, who took over mid-season, could only secure one win and two draws in twelve matches, a stark contrast to the club's ambitions.
On the other hand, Hansa Rostock's win keeps their promotion hopes alive. With this victory, they sit in 5th place with 57 points, just five points behind the third-placed Energie Cottbus. They have upcoming matches against SpVgg Unterhaching on May 7 and Energie Cottbus on May 10, both critical for their aspirations of climbing up to the 2. Bundesliga.
Rostock’s coach, Daniel Brinkmann, praised his team’s performance, particularly in the second half, where they dominated the game and capitalized on their chances. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position in the race for promotion.
As the dust settles on this match, Sandhausen faces a difficult road ahead. They will need to regroup and rebuild in the Regionalliga Südwest, aiming to return to professional football. The club's loyal supporters will be hoping for a swift turnaround, but the challenges of the fourth tier will require a significant overhaul and renewed determination.
Looking ahead, SV Sandhausen will travel to Erzgebirge Aue for their next match on May 10, while Hansa Rostock prepares to face Energie Cottbus in what promises to be a thrilling encounter with potential playoff implications. The future holds uncertainty for both clubs, but one thing is clear: the stakes could not be higher.
