Essen brings Aue closer to relegation - FC Erzgebirge Aue's relegation fight suffers crushing 4-2 blow against Essen
FC Erzgebirge Aue suffered another setback in their fight against relegation after a 4-2 defeat to Rot-Weiss Essen. The loss leaves them nine points adrift of safety with just nine matches left in the 3. Liga season. Aue now sit 18th in the table with 24 points from 28 games.
Essen dominated early, scoring three times in a nine-minute spell during the first half. Torben Müsel opened the scoring before Jannik Hofmann and Marek Janssen added quickfire goals to put the hosts 3-0 ahead. Aue pulled one back just before halftime when Jannik Ehlers found the net, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Marcel Bär gave Aue further hope in the 61st minute, cutting the lead to 3-2. But Julian Günther-Schmidt missed a golden chance to equalise in the 72nd minute, striking the post instead. Kaito Mizuta then sealed the win for Essen with a fourth goal, ending any hopes of an Aue comeback. Aue's record now stands at five wins, nine draws, and 14 losses this season. Their goal difference of -17 reflects a struggle at both ends of the pitch.
The defeat deepens Aue's relegation troubles, leaving them nine points from the first safe position. With only nine games remaining, their survival chances grow slimmer. Essen's victory, meanwhile, strengthens their own position in the league.
