- FC Lokomotive Leipzigfind themselves in a familiar predicamentpost-promotion play-off first leg, mirroring their 2017 experience, as they succumbed to a 1:1 draw against North champions TSV Havelse. Now, on the brink of failure, the League champions will face off again on Sunday (13:30/MagentaSport).
Prepared for Ascent: Lok Maintains Optimism After Draw - Prepared for Elevation: Lok Maintains Optimism Despite the Setback
Fifteen years ago, Leipzig faced a similar challenge, being relegated from the Third Division play-offs after a draw against SC Verl. The away goals rule was the deciding factor in their unfavorable fate.
Sunday's match will determine the victor, with neither team willing to yield the first mistake in this high-stakes grudge match. Toni Wachsmuth, the team's sports director, acknowledged the importance of securing an equalizer in the dying moments, preventing a potentially insurmountable 0:1 deficit. Dorian Cevis scored a late equalizer in the 90.+1 minute, cancelling out Havelse's lead courtesy of Marko Ilic's stunning goal in the 89th minute.
Wachsmuth acknowledged the evenly-matched nature of the contest, noting Leipzig's struggles to create scoring chances and maintain pressure throughout the match. Despite the challenges faced, the sports director expressed confidence in his team's abilities, "We know what we can do. We can win there; we'll give it our all."
Jochen Seitz, the team's head coach, echoed Wachsmuth's sentiments, expressing optimism for a successful outcome. "We need more solutions with the ball in order to create chances," Seitz analyzed the first leg, emphasizing the need to improve upon certain situations. Seitz is hopeful for the return of top striker Stefan Maderer, who was sidelined due to muscular problems during the first match.
In preparation for the return leg, Seitz and his team will focus on enhancing their physical condition, tactical adjustments, mental readiness, and penalties practice. "We can also handle extra time and penalties," Seitz asserted, referencing the team's previous cup final experience.
The upcoming football match against TSV Havelse in the post-promotion play-off second leg is reminiscent of Leipzig's 2017 European-leagues challenge, as they aim to avoid a repeat of the 1:1 draw and the away goals rule decision. Toni Wachsmuth, the sports director, is adamant about securing an equalizer to prevent a potentially challenging deficit, much like the team's 2006 Premier-league play-off struggle against SC Verl. Despite the challenges faced, both Wachsmuth and head coach Jochen Seitz are optimistic about their team's chances, touting their ability to win and their prior experience handling extra time and penalties.
