What a start to the Regionalliga West. Wuppertaler SV turned around a 0:1 deficit in injury time to win 2-1 (0:1) against Alemannia Aachen.

The Regionalliga West season is underway – and how! The season kicked off on Friday evening with a direct clash between the two top favorites for promotion. In front of an outstanding crowd of 27,300 spectators, Wuppertaler SV won in dramatic fashion 2:1 (0:1) at Alemannia Aachen.

The first goal of the game belonged to Sasa Strujic for the hosts (10th). However, he did not hit the ball correctly. After that, the team of coach Helge Hohl had to accept the early loss of Mika Hanraths. The young defender was injured in a duel and had to be substituted after just a quarter of an hour. However, this did nothing to dampen Aachen’s offensive play.

After 20 minutes, the first goal of the season was scored – for Aachen, but by WSV. After a sharp free kick by Vincent Schaub, it became confusing in the visitors’ penalty area. In the end, Lukas Demming was the unlucky one from whose knee the ball bounced over the line.

The opening goal spurred the hosts on. The TSV sat down in the opponent’s half, played around the Wuppertal sixteen and let the ball run safely through their own ranks. However, a gap did not open up.

Aachen makes too little of superiority in first half

After a good half hour, the game calmed down a bit. However, Alemannia continued to be the team that set the pace, while Wuppertal was only reacting. A long-range shot by Lukas Scepanik was safely saved by Sebastian Patzler in the WSV goal (33rd).

Hüzeyfe Dogan’s team needed until shortly before halftime to make an offensive comeback. However, Aachen keeper Marcel Johnen was able to parry a finish from about 16 meters (38th), and further offensive actions faded before they could become dangerous.

For the second half, WSV coach Dogan brought on newcomer and forward Charlison Benschop to provide more scoring threat. Wuppertal pressed high at the start, disrupting the opponent early. Aachen stood deep and let the guests come first.

Aachen punished late for passivity

However, the WSV did not get into the dangerous zone and mostly got in its own way. After the active start, the game was a bit slow. Wuppertal was permanently in the opponent’s half, but could not finish the moves.

And then came stoppage time. Aachen only tried to keep the 1-0 lead and Wuppertal threw everything forward – with success. Benschop is knocked down by Aachen goalkeeper Johnen – penalty kick for WSV. Damjan Marceta remained ice-cold and equalized (92nd).

But that was not enough. There was one last corner for Wuppertal, 94 minutes were played – and it was a good one. Lion Schweers scored the winning goal with his head, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.