On March 17, 2025, VfB Lübeck celebrated their first home victory of the year, defeating SV Meppen 1:0 at Lohmühle stadium. This highly anticipated match drew 3,950 spectators, including 581 away fans, creating an electric atmosphere for the home team. The decisive moment came when Felix Drinkuth converted a penalty kick in the 38th minute, securing the much-needed win for Lübeck as they moved closer to Meppen in the league standings.
The victory held significant importance for VfB Lübeck, especially following their earlier performance woes, including their disappointing 0:3 loss to the same opponent earlier this season. Coach Guerino Capretti made strategic adjustments to his lineup, bringing Luca Menke onto the defensive line and opting for Robin Kölle instead of Julian Albrecht. These changes appeared to pay off as Lübeck maintained control throughout the match.
From the outset, the home team was the more dominant side. They showcased their defensive solidity, limiting Meppen's chances and quickly responding with offensive pressure of their own. Drinkuth's penalty was awarded after John Posselt was fouled, showcasing Lübeck's ability to capitalize on opportunities effectively.
Particularly noteworthy was the defense led by Menke and fellow center-back Kevin Bukusu, who played pivotal roles in ensuring their team left the pitch without conceding. Menke remarked, "Das war eine super Kulisse, es waren auch viele Auswärtsfans dabei. Das hat richtig Spaß gemacht. Am Ende war das ein Kampfspiel, bei dem alle gemerkt haben, dass wir ohne Gegentor bleiben, das Spiel unbedingt ziehen wollen. Das ist passiert, darüber freuen wir uns alle." This camaraderie was palpable as the players celebrated with their supporters after the match.
Despite the secure lead, the closing moments of the match brought moments of tension as Meppen sought desperately to equalize. Lübeck’s goalkeeper, Gavin Didzilatis, was forced to make key saves, including one from Willi Evseev late in stoppage time. The team held firm, with Bukusu explaining how being forced to defend against late-game onslaughts is something they have prepared for: "Dadurch das wir insgesamt mehr hinten standen, kam es zu Standards. Damit war zu rechnen, die muss man dann wegverteidigen, die Phase auch überstehen. Das ist uns gelungen. Der Sieg war verdient und wichtig für uns."
Looking forward, Lübeck will face TSV Havelse, the current leaders of the Regionalliga Nord, on March 23, 2025. This upcoming match brings challenges, particularly as players Noah Cole Oberbeck and Jannik Westphal return from suspension. Capretti, who emphasized the importance of training throughout the week, is optimistic about building on this victory. “If it’s not going well football-wise, we have to also use physicality to break through,” he said, highlighting readiness to adapt strategies as needed.
With this first home win, the VfB Lübeck football club is not only lifting spirits among players and supporters but also slowly climbing out of the lower rungs of the league table. The victory against SV Meppen offers them newfound confidence and sets the stage for perhaps defining their season.
