On March 9, 2025, TSV 1860 München achieved a narrow victory against Borussia Dortmund II, triumphing 1-0 at their home ground. This match, part of the 3. Liga, was pivotal for both teams fighting to avoid relegation.
The atmosphere was electric as the home side sought to build on their recent success, having defeated Hannover 96 II just the week prior. This victory against Borussia Dortmund II marked TSV 1860's third home win of the season and their first since November 9, 2024, when they overcame Waldhof Mannheim 3-0.
The only goal of the game came from Tim Danhof, whose deflected cross at the 37-minute mark caught the Borussia defense off-guard, ensuring TSV 1860 went to halftime with the lead. Coach Patrick Glöckner expressed some regret after the match, stating, "Wir haben es verpasst, vorzeitig den Sack zuzumachen," indicating his frustration at not sealing the game earlier.
On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund II struggled to find their rhythm during the match. Coach Jan Zimmermann lamented their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, saying, "Unsere Spiel krankt daran, dass wir uns im letzten Drittel nicht durchsetzen und Tore schießen können." This marks another setback as Dortmund II is now only two points above the relegation zone.
Throughout the match, several players stood out. Goalkeeper Marco Hiller had little to do but did not make any mistakes, earning him a rating of 3. Tim Danhof's contributions went beyond merely providing the goal, as he was involved defensively and showed solid performance. He was rated 2.
Jesper Verlaat and Sean Dulic both also received ratings of 2 for their solid defensive work, with Verlaat described as a vocal leader on the pitch. Anderson Lucoqui similarly contributed to the defense with passionate play, demonstrating his commitment throughout the match.
Tunay Deniz, who scored the week before against Hannover, echoed his satisfaction after winning what he described as "das erste Endspiel." He reflected on how the team executed the game plan well, especially during the first half, and spoke about how they could have secured the game well before the final whistle. Deniz noted, "Ich habe gesehen, dass er relativ weit am zweiten Pfosten steht. Dann dachte ich, probiere ich mein Glück." His creativity and intent were on display as he sought more scoring opportunities.
The victory propelled TSV 1860 München up to 11th place with 35 points, giving them some much-needed breathing room from the relegation threat. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund II fell to 12th place, facing the prospect of relegation as they are only two points clear of the drop. The results signify how close the battle for survival is as both teams prepare for their next matches.
Looking forward, TSV 1860 is set to face SV Wehen Wiesbaden away on March 12, 2025, before playing their next derby match against Schlusslicht Unterhaching on March 15, 2025. Borussia Dortmund II will also be on the road, taking on SG Dynamo Dresden on the same day.
With the rivalry heating up and the stakes even higher, fans can expect intense action as both teams fight for pivotal points to secure their positions as the season progresses. This matchday not only showcased the passion of German football but highlighted the precarious nature of relegation battles within the 3. Liga.