Poised for Ascendancy: Lok Maintains Optimism Despite Draw - Prepared for Elevation: Lok Remains Hopeful amidst Setback
Leipzig Seeks Win in Must-Win Promotion Playoff Second Leg
Regionalliga Nordost champions, 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig, face a daunting task in the promotion playoff second leg, following a 1:1 draw in the first leg against Nord champions TSV Havelse. This outcome brings back memories of their 2020 playoff, where they also ended with a draw against SC Verl, ultimately missing out on promotion due to the away goals rule.
If neither team secures a win in Sunday's second leg (13:30/MagentaSport), both teams will miss out on the chance to advance to the 3. Liga. Toni Wachsmuth, Lok's sporting director, expressed importance in equalizing, stating that a 0:1 defeat would have made the task even harder. Dorian Cevis's stunning equalizer (90+1) prevented Leipzig from conceding a late lead.
Sport Club Verl 1924 e.V., opposing Leipzig in the 2020 playoff, found themselves promoted after a 2:2 home draw and a 1:1 away result against Leipzig. In 2020's season, Lok coach Jochen Seitz helped lead the team to the Regionalliga title and Saxon Cup victory.
Seitz hopes that winger Stefan Maderer will return from injury for the crucial second leg. Maderer's absence due to muscle problems kept him out of the first leg. With his return, Lok will have more options in the final third. Seitz admits that Leipzig must playing better to create chances and win the game.
This second leg could extend beyond regular time and penalties, as Leipzig showed resilience during their cup final, where they emerged victorious on penalties. However, the team will need to overcome a dangerous Havelse side determined to secure a promotion.
Leipzig's sporting director, Toni Wachsmuth, underlined the need for a win in Sunday's second leg as a draw would jeopardize their promotion chances, recalling the 2020 playoff where they missed out on promotion due to the away goals rule, just like Sport Club Verl. Moreover, Leipzig's coach, Jochen Seitz, is hoping for the return of winger Stefan Maderer from injury, as his presence could provide more options in the final third to help them secure a win in the upcoming European-leagues football match against Havelse in the Premier League.
