- FC Lokomotive Leipzig delved into familiar territory during the first leg of the promotion playoffs, as the Regionalliga Nordost champions drew 1-1 with Nord title holders TSV Havelse, mirroring a 2020 outcome that saw them miss out on promotion. In Sunday's return leg (13:30 CET/MagentaSport), both teams aim to seize the opportunity for promotion, avoiding the obstacle of potential penalties or further decision-making processes.
Prepared for Advancement: Lok Maintains Optimism Despite Setback
In 2020, Leipzig drew 2-2 at home against SC Verl and 1-1 away, but a preferential away goals rule saw Verl promoted to the 3. Liga. This year, the teams are deadlocked at a goal apiece, with Dorian Cevis netting a late equalizer for Leipzig, canceling out Marko Ilic's stunning goal for Havelse.
Lokomotive Leipzig's sporting director, Toni Wachsmuth, admitted that neither team wanted to make the first mistake in this pivotal match, with Leipzig struggling to generate scoring chances and impose pressure. "We know what we're capable of, that we can also win there. We'll give it our all," Wachsmuth promised.
Coach Jochen Seitz emphasized the need for more effective ball control to create scoring opportunities, and expressed optimism regarding the return of top striker Stefan Maderer, who missed the game due to muscular problems. "With him, we have other options in the box," said Seitz, adding that the team is prepared for extra time and penalties, as demonstrated in the cup final.
The 2025 promotion playoffs mark another opportunity for 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig to break through to the 3. Liga. Despite past challenges, the team remains hopeful, with sporting director Toni Wachsmuth dwelling on the importance of equalizing in the recent match against Havelse, which kept their promotion aspirations alive. Coach Jochen Seitz spoke of the potential for a triumphant ending, even in the face of adversity.
In the upcoming 2025 promotion playoffs, 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig will aim to climb up to the 3. Liga, having previously missed promotion in 2020 due to a preferential away goals rule in European-leagues, such as the case against SC Verl in the 3. Liga. As they prepare for the return leg against TSV Havelse, with the Premier-League stakes at hand, Coach Jochen Seitz has highlighted the importance of improved ball control for creating scoring opportunities, just as sporting director Toni Wachsmuth has urged for a focus on avoiding mistakes in this critical match.
