No winner in the top match: 1:1 for Cottbus against Dresden

Promoted Energie Cottbus defended their lead in the top match of the 3rd Football League against Dynamo Dresden. The two East German teams drew deservedly 1:1 (0:0) in a racy game. In front of 19,700 spectators in the sold-out Cottbus stadium, Dynamo captain Stefan Kutschke (60') scored the surprising Dresden goal. Substitute Timmy Thiele (86) equalized with a remarkable header.

The game began without a long wait. Dynamo's new signing Dominik Kother had a great chance after just three minutes. It was the prelude to a fast-paced first half with chances on both sides. A total of 20 shots were counted, with Energie having more of them. However, the Lusatians repeatedly failed to score against Dresden goalkeeper Tim Schreiber, who produced his best save when Henry Rorig (33) shot from the edge of the box.

Energie with more passion

It was noticeable how hard the Cottbus side worked on the Saxons. No ball was lost, they fought and ran with passion. The only thing that was lacking was the exploitation of chances.

Dynamo were mainly dangerous when playing down the flanks. Or from set pieces. After a corner kick, Kother headed towards the far corner again and Lucas Copado saved for his beaten goalkeeper Elias Bethke just in front of the line.

Cigerci hits the post

The hosts came out of the break with more energy. Maximilian Krauß repeatedly spurred on the attacks on the left flank and caused problems for the Dynamo backline. Tolcay Cigerci (49') hit the far post instead of the empty goal after a beautiful pass from Copado. Schreiber again reacted superbly to a Copado direct shot.

Dresden took the lead out of nowhere, albeit from an offside position. A solo run by Tony Menzel to the five-metre area ended with a ball to the far post, where Kutschke was able to slot home unchallenged.

Dynamo then switched to a five-man backline, which Energie could not do much with. But there was still Thiele, who came on after a long break and scored his not undeserved equalizer with his eleventh goal of the season. Cigerci then missed another clear chance for Lausitz and Thiele hit the crossbar in the fourth minute of stoppage time.