Niclas Müller and Adrian Kireski made 1. FC Lok Leipzig Saxony Cup winners for the third time and completely spoiled FC Erzgebirge Aue's season. In front of 12,154 spectators in the sold-out Bruno Plache Stadium, the two players were the decisive protagonists in the penalty shoot-out. After a goalless 120 minutes, Lok prevailed 6-5 in the spectacular decision from the spot and gained further confidence for next week's relegation play-offs for promotion to the third division against TSV Havelse.
In an intense but not high-class game, both teams neutralized each other in midfield. It was clear that nobody wanted to fall behind. Accordingly, there was little to see offensively. Both teams had one good chance each before the break. Sean Seitz (31) narrowly missed after a defensive error by Lok and a good pass from Omar Sijaric. At the other end, a last-minute finish from Djamal Ziane (33) was blocked.
Lok, in the week of the decision with the three final matches, showed why they had celebrated the championship in the Regionalliga Nordost. Despite the absence of five players, they held their own against the third-division side, although Leipzig also lacked creativity.
More chances for Lok after the break
39 seconds after the break, Mingi Kang tested Aue goalkeeper Martin Männel for the first time with a long-range shot, showing that Lok are now willing to do more in attack. Ziane again had a double chance in the 63rd minute, but missed it. Aue controlled the game from the 50th minute onwards, but the lack of almost all attacking players was clearly noticeable, as in the final phase of the third division season. When they did, the Erzgebirge side were only dangerous from set-pieces. In the 67th minute, Lok goalkeeper Niclas Müller saved with a strong reflex after a corner kick and subsequent header from Niko Vukancic. Linus Rosenlöcher (85) tried a long-range shot for Aue, but he too was unable to prevent extra time.
More offensive extra time, but only penalty shoot-out decides
Both teams took more risks in extra time. It felt like there were already more goalmouth scrambles in the first half than in the entire regular time. However, there was still a lack of clear goalscoring opportunities. This did not change until the 120th minute, so that the penalty shoot-out had to be decided. Goalkeeper Müller and Kireski became the heroes. The keeper saved the sixth Auer attempt from Tim Hoffmann, Kireski sank the last shot to secure the celebrated cup victory.
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