TSV 1860 approaches Red-Weiss Essen with a sense of pride in its team's abilities, represented by the blue gaze it bears.
TSV 1860 München Draws 1-1 with Rot-Weiss Essen in 3. Liga Opener
TSV 1860 München began their 2025/26 3. Liga campaign with a mixed performance, drawing 1-1 against Rot-Weiss Essen at Hafenstraße. The match saw a thrilling duel between two traditional clubs, with both teams showcasing their ambition on the pitch.
The opening goal of the game came in the sixth minute, scored by José-Enrique Rios Alonso for Rot-Weiss Essen. TSV 1860 responded in the 68th minute, when Florian Niederlechner equalized with a dream lob, assisted by Sean Dulic.
Despite having strong attacking players like Kevin Volland and Florian Niederlechner, TSV 1860 struggled with offensive actions throughout the match. The defence, however, was under pressure, with several defensive lapses allowing Rot-Weiss Essen to capitalize and initially take the lead.
Rot-Weiss Essen's official match report mentions that they narrowly missed out on an opening win due to these defensive issues, indicating that TSV 1860's defence was not fully composed in this clash.
Head coach Patrick Glöckner expressed satisfaction with the team for coming back with a result but acknowledged that morale is important and certain things can be improved. Sascha Moelders, a TSV 1860 and RWE legend, criticized Verlaat's defensive behavior during the match.
Volland had a taste of what the Third League feels like during a tackle by Tobias Kraulich, but the referee, Felix Weller, did not show a yellow-red card to Kraulich despite the tackle on Volland. Ramien Safi missed a goal opportunity in the 23rd minute due to an air gap.
Essen remained dangerous with fast, no-frills counters, making it a tough task to succeed at Hafenstraße, according to Glöckner. The stage is now set for TSV 1860's home premiere against VfL Osnabrück on Saturday at 2 pm.
References: [1] TSV 1860 München Official Website [2] Rot-Weiss Essen Official Website [3] Bundesliga Statistics Archive
European leagues witnessed an enthralling clash between TSV 1860 München and Rot-Weiss Essen, as they traded goals in the opening game of the 3. Liga season. Regardless of their squad's footballing pedigree, TSV 1860 struggled offensively, while showing vulnerability defensively against their opponents.
