SV Wehen Wiesbaden ended their year with a hard-fought point, drawing 0-0 against Alemannia Aachen on Saturday at the Aachener Tivoli. The match marked the conclusion of the first half of the 2024/2025 3. Liga season for both sides, highlighting their struggles throughout the fall.
Under pouring rain and strong winds, both teams entered the match eager to secure valuable points late in the year. While the scoreless result suggests balanced teams, it was evident from the onset of the game how desperate each side was to avoid slipping down the rankings.
SV Wehen Wiesbaden had made three changes to their starting lineup compared to their previous match against Arminia Bielefeld. Coach Nils Döring opted to field Emanuel Taffertshofer, Ryan Johansson, and Ivan Franjic from the get-go. Key players were absent due to injuries, leaving the squad with limited options. Their performance today echoed recent struggles, with only one victory over the last eight matches.
Alemannia Aachen, similarly under pressure, added two new faces to their lineup as they sought to capitalize on home advantage. Despite being the home side, they faced some pressure from the visitors early on, with both teams feeling each other out.
The first real opportunity of the match came from the hosts; Kevin Goden found himself with space to shoot but was denied by the excellent reflexes of SVWW goalkeeper Florian Stritzel, who saved the effort with his foot. This moment proved pivotal for Wiesbaden, as it set the tone for their defensive strategy throughout the match.
Throughout the first half, chances remained scarce, with several misfires on goal. The teams combined for few clear scoring chances as they both exhibited reluctance to take risks, resulting in failed long-range efforts. Tarik Gözüsirin and Moritz Flotho attempted to carve open the Aachen defense but to no avail.
After the break, the second half presented limited progress for both teams. Döring’s men made attempts to shift the momentum, utilizing quick breaks but often lacked the final touch necessary to create real danger. Their best moment came late when Fatih Kaya tested the Aachen goalkeeper with a strong free-kick, yet the effort was turned aside safely.
Conversely, Aachen continued to apply pressure but frequently found themselves thwarted by Wisbaden's disciplined backline, expertly marshaled by Stritzel, whose performance proved integral to the scoreless stalemate. The visitors were content to absorb the pressure, reflecting their current tactical approach which prioritizes defensive solidity over aggressive forward play.
Despite the efforts from both sides, particularly Aachen's attempts to find the net late on through Anton Heinz and Nikolas Agrafiotis, the match concluded without any goals. The final whistle brought relief for Wehen Wiesbaden, who left with something to show for their efforts even if it wasn't the win they craved.
This draw means SV Wehen Wiesbaden finished the first half of the season at eighth place, now ten points behind league leaders Dynamo Dresden and nine back from second-placed Energie Cottbus. The winter break presents both teams the opportunity to reassess and prepare for the challenges the second half of the season will bring.
Following the match, Döring emphasized the need for improvement, acknowledging the team's ability to fight for points but recognizing the gaps still evident on the offensive front. "Kämpferisch zeigte die Mannschaft von Trainer Nils Döring zwar einen ordentlichen, ja guten Auftritt, spielerisch war das Ganze aber sicher ausbaufähig," he noted.
Aachen is now also left pondering their performance; they've seen their own struggles as the tenth draw of the season does little to aid their ambitions to rise higher up the table. Already labeled as having the poorest goal-scoring record, improvements will be necessary if they’re to escape the lower half of the standings.
Both roads lead to imminent winter training sessions. SV Wehen Wiesbaden is set to return to training on January 2, with plans for a training camp in Spain from January 3-11 slated before returning to action on January 18 against SC Verl.
Although neither side walked away with the triumph they desired, the match served as a demonstration of resilience and determination as both SV Wehen Wiesbaden and Alemannia Aachen gear up for the next chapter of their seasons.
