On March 20, 2025, TSV 1860 Munich faced a difficult test in a friendly match against SSV Ulm 1846, held at the Donaustadion in Ulm. The match, starting at 15:00, followed the memory of a painful loss for 1860, which had previously faced Ulm on October 3, 2023, losing 0:1 in front of 17,000 fans. In this latest outing, under the leadership of new coach Robert Lechleiter, SSV Ulm succeeded once again, defeating 1860 Munich with a score of 2:0, further showcasing their solid performance in the second division.
The backdrop of this match included significant changes for Ulm, who recently dismissed their coach Thomas Wörle, the architect of their ascent from the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga. Jo Reichert, the team's captain, publicly acknowledged Wörle's contributions, saying, “You guided us from the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga. We will be forever grateful.” This farewell reflected the emotional state of the team, as they navigated a challenging transition.
In stark contrast, 1860 Munich came into the game with eleven professionals unavailable for various reasons, which posed a challenge for coach Patrick Glöckner, who aimed to maintain momentum from previous performances. The team struggled against Ulm in a match where their offense waned significantly as the game progressed.
Ulm's Felix Higl was the standout player, netting both goals that clinched the victory for his side. His first strike provided the lead, and a second goal solidified Ulm’s triumph, with both coming in a match that started with high expectations but ultimately left 1860 facing questions about their squad depth and readiness.
Despite the friendly nature of the test match, the stakes were evident as both teams looked to assess their player rosters. The match served as an opportunity for Glöckner to field younger talent from the U21 and U19 squads for experience and potential integration while looking forward to the looming season.
Viewing options for fans were limited, as the match was not aired on free television but was available via a live stream on Löwen-TV, providing access for dedicated followers of both teams.
As Ulm continues their fight against relegation, sitting just three points below the demarcation line occupied by Eintracht Braunschweig, this victory serves as a vital morale booster. The SSV had managed to secure a point in their previous match against KSC, reinforcing their resilience and determination to remain competitive in the 2. Bundesliga.
In conclusion, while relegation battles often consume clubs in the lower divisions, the emotional claptrap surrounding Wörle’s exit somewhat overshadowed the sporting side of things for Ulm. The German football landscape evolves rapidly, and for the teams involved in this test match, both strategies and sentiments alike will continue to shape their paths in the coming weeks of the season.
