Penalty decides: Cottbus defeats Aue in the last minute

Energie Cottbus have returned to the top of the 3rd Football League table for the time being. The Lusatians won the East derby against FC Erzgebirge Aue 1:0 (0:0) on Saturday. Tolcay Cigerci converted a penalty in the 89th minute to score the decisive goal in front of 18,772 spectators. The police had secured the high-security match with a large contingent.

The hosts, who were without the two suspended regulars Filip Kusic and Dominik Pelivan, had more of the play in the first half. However, Aue had the best chance. Cottbus goalkeeper Elias Bethke saved from Maximilian Schmid as he ran out (37').

Goalkeeper Bethke keeps Cottbus on course

Energie coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz had opted for Erik Engelhardt up front and left Timmy Thiele on the bench for the time being. Wollitz changed the formation at the break and added further attacking quality in Maximilian Krauß alongside Thiele.

Despite the changes, the hosts were initially unable to develop much pressure. Aue concentrated on defending the important point in the relegation battle. It was only in the final quarter of an hour that the Cottbus side showed a little more determination. However, Schmid (78) again had the best chance to date and once again failed to beat Bethke.

At the other end, Aue keeper Martin Männel saved from Energie captain Axel Borgmann (81') and a little later against Krauß (86'). Männel was powerless against Cigerci's penalty on his return to his former club.