Prepared for Ascension: Lok Remains Upbeat amid Setback - Prepared for Elevation: Lok Maintains Optimism amidst the Setback
League Promotion Playoff: Lokomotive Leipzig Cautiously Optimistic after Draw
Leipzig, Germany - 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig, champions of the Regionalliga Nordost, find themselves in a familiar predicament after a draw in the first leg of the promotion playoff. Reminiscent of their attempt five years ago, they narrowly missed securing a win against Nord champions TSV Havelse, finishing the match at 1:1 (0:0). The deciding game will take place this Sunday at 1:30 PM CET, on MagentaSport, in Havelse.
In 2020, the club made it to the promotion playoff but ultimately fell short, both at home and away against SC Verl. Similar to their current predicament, the away goals rule played a crucial role in their elimination.
A stalemate won't benefit either team this coming Sunday. "Both teams have everything to play for," said Lok's sporting director Toni Wachsmuth during an interview with MDR. The equalizing goal, scored by Dorian Cevis in the 90+1 minute, canceled out Havelse's lead, which had been scored by Marko Ilic just before the end of regular time.
Wachsmuth acknowledged that neither side desired to make the first mistake in such a critical game. His team struggled to create opportunities and exert pressure, but he stated, "We know what we're capable of, and we can win there. We'll give it our all."
Coach Jochen Seitz expressed a sense of optimism for a happy ending. "Havelse's 1:0 lead made me think they had already won," he said. Seitz, who led Lok to the Regionalliga title and Saxon Cup victory in his first season, analyzed the first leg, stating they needed to improve in creating solutions with the ball and managing certain situations better to generate chances. He anticipates having top striker Stefan Maderer back, who missed the game due to muscular problems.
"With him, we have other options in the box," said Seitz, preparing his team for the possibility of extra time and penalties, as seen in the cup final.
Historically, avoiding a home defeat in the first leg has proven crucial for success in promotion playoffs. If Lokomotive Leipzig had lost at home in the first leg, their prospects would have been statistically poor, as no team has ever lost at home in the first leg and still managed to win the tie after the second match. The outcome of the second leg of the 2025 playoff itself resulted in TSV Havelse's promotion to the 3. Liga after a 3-0 victory in extra time (aggregate 4-1).
The second leg between Lokomotive Leipzig and TSV Havelse will be played this Sunday in Havelse, with the hopes of promotion to the 3. Liga on the line.
"Lokomotive Leipzig's quest for promotion to the 3. Liga remains alive, as they aim to avenge their past mistake in the European leagues' promotion playoff. Recalling their failure five years ago in the premier league playoff, Lokomotive Leipzig, now champions of the Regionalliga Nordost, will face TSV Havelse once more on Sunday."
"With their striker Stefan Maderer expected to return, Lokomotive Leipzig aspires to put their draw behind them and secure a win in the decisive game, to finally achieve their long-awaited dream of playing in the 3. Liga."
