The 25th matchday was one dominated by the basement dwellers – and league leaders Alemannia Aachen, who saw their rivals weaken from the sofa.

On Saturday of the 25th matchday in the Regionalliga West, the pursuers of leaders Alemannia Aachen were challenged. The Kaiserstädter had already led the way on Friday evening with a 2-1 win against Fortuna Düsseldorf II and were able to watch from the couch as their rivals tried to catch up.

1. FC Bocholt therefore needed a win to stay relatively close on Alemannia’s heels as the first runners-up. However, SV Lippstadt proved to be a tough opponent and an intense and hard-fought game ensued. In addition, Bocholt weakened themselves shortly before the break when captain Marc Beckert was shown the red card (41′).

The FCB’s short-handedness was also noticeable in the second half, when a corner was misplaced and Yusuf Örnek thanked them with the 1:0 (52′). Bocholt tried everything, but the second goal of the day also came from the other side, with Wladimir Wagner making it 2-0 (80′). As a result, Bocholt are now six points off Alemannia Aachen in first place.

Third-placed Fortuna Köln could have profited from Bocholt’s slip-up at FC Gütersloh. However, Cologne struggled to turn their superiority into a goal. It took 80 minutes and a dead ball for Leon Demaj to convert a penalty. But FCG could also score from set pieces – Felix Heim made the final score 1:1 after a corner (85.)

In the basement of the table, FC Wegberg-Beeck, who were promoted from the bottom of the table, wanted to pick up important points against Schalke 04 U23. It was to be a doubly bitter away trip for the miners. After Timo Bornemann had given Beeck an early 2:0 lead with a brace, Felix Allgaier had to be taken to hospital after a collision with his opponent and 18 minutes of stoppage time. As a result, the 5:1 final score almost became a minor matter.

Meanwhile, Rot-Weiß Oberhausen’s poor home record continued against Rot Weiss Ahlen. (To the match report)

Kushtrim Asallari was the man of the match in the clash between SC Paderborn II and Borussia Mönchengladbach II. The Borussian was involved in all four goals (three goals, one assist) in the 4-2 away win for the Foals.

SV Rödinghausen came out on top 3-0 against 1. FC Köln II thanks to goals from Patrick Kurzen (21), Simon Engelmann (68) and Jeff-Denis Fehr (90-4). Wuppertaler SV were guests at SC Wiedenbrück and disappointed. (To the match report)