In the top game of the 3rd league, Energie Cottbus and SC Verl drew 0-0. The expected offensive spectacle did not materialize and Energie lost the lead in the table to rival Osnabrück.
- Energie Cottbus and SC Verl draw 0-0
- Cottbus loses the league lead to Osnabrück
- The two strongest offensive teams in the league shine more with passivity
- Energie now unbeaten for eight games
Energie Cottbus didn’t get more than a 0-0 draw against fourth-placed Verl and had to lose the lead in the 3rd league to Osnabrück (both gave up 49 points). In a game that was difficult to gain momentum, both teams initially neutralized each other extremely, and it was only in the second half that both sides had chances.
The course of the game
In Cottbus, the first few minutes of the game were a classic test. Both teams went into the top duel with a lot of respect.
Alessio Besio provided the first chance, but he couldn’t get past Energie goalkeeper Marius Funk in a one-on-one (16th minute). Five minutes later, Erik Engelhardt tried from the left: Both he and Moritz Hannemann with a follow-up shot were not particularly dangerous.
Energy Cottbus was very compact, the guests played a little more courageously. Overall, one thing can be said: both teams neutralized each other for long periods of the first half. Only in the last few minutes before the break did more momentum gain.
Were both teams happy with a point? At least that impression could be created.
But then Erik Engelhardt woke up the Leag-Energie-Stadion with the biggest opportunity of the game. Verl keeper Philipp Schulze saved from close range (50′), but Cottbus now played with much more energy than before half-time. Just seconds later, Tolcay Cigerci missed a so-called hundred percent (52nd) when he hit the ball over the goal instead of into the left corner from a half-right position in the penalty area.
The hosts showed more and more enthusiasm and danger to score, but were unable to put the ball in the goal. And Verl also let himself be infected by the ignited fire, became more active and wasted several chances in the person of Berkan Taz and Timur Gayret. It remained a 0-0 draw in a game in which many had hoped for a great spectacle.
Energy Cottbus mascot “Lauzi” has to serve
What was going on there?
Anyone who paid attention ten minutes before kick-off might have been worried about the energy mascot “Lauzi”. This was carried away on the spot – on someone’s shoulder.
Behind it was singer Alexander Knappe, who comes from Lusatia, and his “piggyback world record tour”, in which he wants to walk from Cottbus to Ballermann. Important: Someone has to be carried for the first and last 500 meters. Someone? That was “Lauzi” on Saturday.
Player of the game
Axel Borgmann became the late match winner in the game against Aue last weekend. He couldn’t say that today, but the captain impressed with his great overview and drive forward.
Borgmann repeatedly tried to put his teammates in the spotlight. When opportunities arose, the Cottbus man was often either involved in the creation or even in the conclusion. Wollitz had recently wanted his captain to be more of a goal threat. The 31-year-old seems to have internalized that.
The voices for the game
Axel Borgmann (Energie Cottbus): “I’m actually not surprised. On the contrary. When two offensively strong teams meet, it’s of course a tactical game.”
Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant (Energie Cottbus): “Our match plan more or less worked. I think if we do the lucky punch, everyone will say that we deserve it.”
Berkan Taz (SC Verl): “We were very disciplined against the ball. I definitely didn’t have any fun today. But we took one point and that’s a success too.” (on Magenta TV)
The live ticker to read
Broadcast: rbb|24, February 26, 2026, 6:40 p.m
