Rot-Weiss Essen suffered their second defeat in the third game after promotion to the third division. Essen again lost significantly against Viktoria Köln.
RWE was 1-0 down against Elversberg (1-5) after just six minutes, and the first goal conceded even a few seconds earlier in the 2-2 draw in Duisburg. And this time the promoted team failed to start, too. Robin Meißner reacted the quickest after a sharp cross and put Viktoria in the lead from close range (25′).
Cologne too strong in the back and too callous in the front
Previously, the hosts had determined the game, but without getting too dangerous in front of the opposing goal. As a result, Essen was the much more offensive team, but Viktoria managed to defend the lead quite confidently. Coach Olaf Janßen’s team showed their defensive qualities in a 1-0 win against Wehen Wiesbaden last weekend.
Shortly before the break, however, Viktoria showed another quality: efficiency. After the second good attack, there was a penalty after a foul by Essen captain Daniel Heber – and Marcel converted it safely to 2-0 in the third minute of added time. RWE in the third game of the season for the third time with two goals behind – like in Duisburg, a comeback was needed.
Bastians ends all comeback dreams
As in the first two games of the season, Essen then tried to turn around and came out of the break with momentum. But the urge phase was abruptly ended by one of his own men. Felix Bastians headed a corner from Risse into his own goal to make it 3-0 (62nd). It was the early decider in the game.
The first RWE goal of the evening didn’t change that. After a good attack down the left flank, striker Simon Engelmann pushed the ball over the line with his thigh to make it 3-1 (76th). Otherwise, coach Christoph Dabrowski’s team struggled, but the Viktoria defense was also convincing in the final phase. In the closing stages, Simon Handle scored to make it 4-1 from Cologne’s perspective.
Cologne can add to Dresden
Next Saturday Essen has the next opportunity to bring in the first sense of achievement. RWE is then a guest at the second representation of Borussia Dortmund (2 p.m.). Cologne is playing against Dynamo Dresden at the same time and wants their third win of the season.
