Draw against Essen: Returning Niederlechner saves 1860 Munich from a false start

Returning player Florian Niederlechner saved promotion favorite TSV 1860 Munich from a false start in their third-division campaign. The former Bundesliga striker secured a point for the Lions with his goal in the 68th minute in a 1-1 (0-1) draw at Rot-Weiss Essen.

There was an early shock for 1860 at the Hafenstrasse stadium. The Munich defense failed to clear the ball properly. A deflected cross was headed in from close range by José-Enrique Rios Alonso (6th minute). Ramien Safi (23rd minute) had a huge chance for Essen to make it 2-0.

1860 had more possession. However, RWE were a bit quicker on the upside. Lions captain Jesper Verlaat (17th minute) and Tunay Deniz (26th minute) were denied by the strong Essen goalkeeper Felix Wienand. The second half saw the game become more heated and disjointed. After a long ball behind the defense, Niederlechner was able to lob the ball over Wienand into the net. The home side threatened with two more long-range shots and came closer to scoring a second goal in the closing stages.

After a convincing preseason, Munich are finally aiming to return to the 2. Bundesliga at their eighth attempt. To achieve this, the traditional club has significantly strengthened its squad, including Niederlechner, who played for the club as a youth player, and former international Kevin Volland. Along with Hansa Rostock, the 1966 champions are among the top favorites for promotion.

But there was once again a stir surrounding investor Hasan Ismaik. First, the Lions announced that Ismaik would sell his shares to a Swiss family holding company, but then the deal fell through. The background remained mysterious until the very end.