- Delightful 2-1 Victory in Aachen: Goalkeeper Bear Prolongs Auer's Streak
Marcel Bar netted a pair to lead FC Erzgebirge Aue as the top dogs in the third division's standings during the international break. His second and third goals of the season shifted the tide of the clash against Alemannia Aachen, culminating in a 2:1 (0:1) triumph. In front of 22,300 fans at the Aachener Tivoli, home team hero Soufiane El-Faouzi threw the first punch with a goal just 36 seconds into the match, marking the inaugural third-division encounter between the two clubs. Despite Aue gaining control of the ball after that, Alemannia generated opportunities through captain Mika Hanrath (32.) and El-Faouzi again in the 33rd minute.
Dotchev's lineup was deprived of the injured Marvin Stefaniak, who was swapped out for Sean Seitz. The squad further had to deal with an early scare when El-Faouzi once again found the back of the net, taking advantage of a misplayed quick throw-in defense from Aue in the game's opening seconds.
At the break, captain Martin Männel was subbed out for Tim Kips due to a potential shoulder injury sustained during Aue's 2:0 victory against Dresden in the Saxony derby. Despite his injury, Männel struggled to continue.
Post-intermission, Aue ramped up their efforts, with Omar Sijaric striking the post in the 54th minute. Only four minutes later, Bar profited from a blunder by Aachen keeper Marcel Johnen, who inadvertently let the ball roll through his legs after a corner kick. A simple tap-in was all Bar needed to capitalize. Remaining aggressive, Aachen continued to press, but Aue remained steadfast in their defense. Bar then sealed the deal with a stunning finish assisted by Boris Tashchy from six minutes before full time.
Other defensive strategies were considered by Aue's coach due to the width of Alemannia's attacks, not exceeding 30 cm, exploiting their narrow formation. Bar's goal from the corner kick indirectly highlighted the vulnerability of Aachen's goalkeeper, who failed to cover the width adequately.
