Stadium Meltdown in Hoheluft: Paloma's Lip-read Verdict Spoils Cup Shock
FC Eintracht Norderstedt Claims Lotto Cup Victory Over USC Paloma in Penalty Shootout
In a tense and dramatic finale, FC Eintracht Norderstedt emerged victorious in the Lotto Cup final against USC Paloma, securing a 4-5 victory in a penalty shootout before a crowd of 3,300 spectators. The triumph grants Norderstedt a place in the DFB Cup next season, and a first-round prize worth over 200,000 euros.
It was a closely matched game, with neither team managing to break the deadlock in the regular 90 minutes. Initially, it was unclear which of the two finalists was based in the regional league and which in the Oberliga. Norderstedt struggled in the first half, failing to create any significant opportunities. Paloma, in response, focused on quick counterattacks, leading to early chances.
The Paloma fans had to wait until the 33rd minute for their team's first real opportunity. Right-back Lion Mandelkau nearly opened the scoring with a free kick from 18 meters. A few minutes later, Paloma's left-back Quincy Adjei made an impressive run to the baseline, setting up a chance for striker Luca Albrecht, who unfortunately missed the ball. Despite this, Paloma deserved the lead at half-time, as Norderstedt coach Elard Ostermann later acknowledged.
The second half continued in the same vein, with neither team showing a clear class advantage. In the 69th minute, Norderstedt had a chance to score, but the effort was cleared off the line by Paloma captain Colin Blumauer. In the final stages, both teams remained locked in a stalemate. Sabah, Albrecht, and Sabah again came close for Paloma, but missed their opportunities, while Norderstedt captain Ersin Zehir had a chance to take the lead with a distance shot in the 89th minute, but the scores remained level and the game went to penalties.
The drama unfolded in the shootout, particularly when Zehir attempted a Panenka-style effort, saving it easily for Paloma's goalkeeper Grundmann. After the final whistle, Zehir joked about the missed shot, having planned the move before the game. Coach Ostermann, however, was less amused by the miss, marking the third time Zehir had attempted such a shot, with previous misses prompting him to reconsider his strategy in future.
The missed shot proved crucial when Paloma's Lion Mandelkau took the seventh and final penalty. His attempt hit the crossbar, and he knew instantly that it was off target. Coach Nitsch rallied his players, but he too was visibly emotional, expressing frustration over the number of missed chances and the performance in the penalty shootout. Meanwhile, there was joy on the Norderstedt side, with coach Ostermann preferring a local derby as a dream draw for their debut in the DFB-Pokal. Despite the loss, Paloma coach Nitsch remains optimistic, promising to try again next time.
As the Lotto Cup final moved into the penalty shootout, both FC Eintracht Norderstedt and USC Paloma showcased their skills in European-style football, emulating the champions-league atmosphere. In the grueling series of penalties, Ersin Zehir's unsuccessful Panenka-style attempt seemed crucial, as it ultimately allowed Norderstedt to secure the victory against their rivals, paving the way for their entry in the DFB Cup and earning them a substantial first-round prize.
