Lok Leipzig's bitter dream: 0: 3 defeat in promotion game!

Lok Leipzig's bitter dream: 0: 3 defeat in promotion game!

Garbsen, Deutschland - On June 1, 2025, the 1. FC Lok Leipzig tragically missed the ascent to the 3rd division. In the decisive second leg of the promotion relegation, the team lost 0: 3 to TSV Havelse after extra time. The first leg, which took place on May 29 in the Bruno Plache Stadium in Leipzig, ended 1-1. There, almost 10,000 spectators saw a largely balanced game, which only won tension in the final phase. Marko Ilic scored 1-0 for Havelse in the 89th minute before Dorian Cevis achieved the equalization at the very last moment.

In the second leg, which took place in Garbsen, Lok Leipzig was faced with considerable personnel problems. Players like Stefan Maderer had sporting liberation, while Noel Eichinger was struck, which weakened the left side of the defense. Despite these challenges, both players were in the starting eleven. Dorian Cevis also replaced the injured Pasqual Vercham.

the second leg and the decisive moments

The atmosphere in the stadium was characterized by red and white fans of TSV Havelse, who supported their team loudly. The host started strong; Yannick Jaeschke already had the first chance of the game in the 10th minute. Lok Leipzig reacted with a dangerous situation by Mingi Kang in the 21st minute. In the 29th minute, Besfort Leutrim Kolgeci hit the post, which further increased the pressure of the Havelers.

Leipzig's sports director Toni Wachsmuth remained optimistic at half time, despite the numerous great opportunities for Havelse. But in the 80th minute Tobias Dombrowa received a yellow-red card, which further strengthened the situation for the Leipziger. Lok managed to survive the regular playing time and go into extra time.

In the 95th minute the first goal was hit: Julius Düker gave Havelse 1-0 in the lead. Marko Ilic increased to 2-0 in the 109th minute, followed by Düker, who scored 3-0 in the 114th minute. In this phase of the game, Lok Leipzig faced further setbacks when Pasqual Ver Va-Mard and Luc Elsner received the yellow-red card.

historical context of the relegation

The promotion round for the 3rd division is a complex process that has been modified several times since the league was introduced in the 2008/09 season. Today, the mode not only enables the best regional leagues to rise, but also exciting relegation games like this. It is important to mention that Havelse had recently risen over the relegation in the 2021/2022 season, but had to relegate again after one season.

With this defeat, for 1. FC Lok Leipzig, another attempt to realize the promotion to the 3rd league. The dream of climb remains unfulfilled, while TSV Havelse is hoping for a possible return to the third division. In any case, the fans of both teams can hope for exciting times if the constellations of the regional leagues will offer further rivalries and opportunities in the coming seasons.

Location Lok Leipzig: Naumann - Dombrowa, von Piechowski, Wilton, Ballo (106. Adigo) - Abderrahmane - Cevis (76. Valamp), Siebeck, Eichinger (76. Elsner), Kang (82nd Kireski) - Maderer (56. Ziane).

The complete information about the games is in the reports of and ndr , while the promotion mode in the Wikipedia is described in detail.