Ready for promotion: Lok optimistic despite draw

Déjà vu for 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig: The champions of the Regionalliga-Nordost soccer league missed out on a win in the first leg of the relegation play-off for promotion to the 3rd division, as they did five years ago, and are now in danger of failing again just before the finish line. It was only enough for a 1:1 (0:0) against TSV Havelse, the holders of the northern title. The second leg will be played in Havelse on Sunday (1.30pm/MagentaSport).

The Leipzig side also made it into the promotion relegation play-off in 2020. They drew 2-2 at home to SC Verl and then 1-1 at Westclub. Verl were promoted to the 3rd division due to the away goals rule in force at the time.

There has to be a winner on Sunday

A draw will not be enough for either Leipzig or Havelse on Sunday. "There's still everything in it for both teams. It was important that we equalized. If it had been 0-1, it would have been more difficult," said Lok sporting director Toni Wachsmuth on MDR. Dorian Cevis (90.+1) had equalized the very late lead for Havelse in stoppage time with a dream goal from Marko Ilic (89.).

Wachsmuth emphasized that you could tell that nobody wanted to make the first mistake in this important game. His team lacked the ability to create scoring chances and pressure phases. "We know what we can do, that we can win there too. We'll give it everything we've got there," promised Wachsmuth.

Lok coach Jochen Seitz spoke of a happy ending. "The way Havelse cheered after the 1-0 win, I thought they were already through," said the coach, who shaped Lok into regional league champions and Saxony Cup winners (6-5 on penalties over Erzgebirge Aue) in his first season.

Coach Seitz: Lok ready for extra time and penalties

"We need more solutions with the ball," Seitz analyzed the first leg. We need to play out one or two situations better in order to score goals. He is also hoping for the return of top striker Stefan Maderer, who was unavailable due to muscular problems.

"With him, we have other options in the box," said Seitz and announced that he would be prepared for anything on Sunday. "We can also play extra time and penalties," Seitz emphasized with a view to the cup final.