Alemannia Aachen is still struggling under its new coach, but at least it managed to avoid another defeat against the second-to-last team in the league.

Alemannia Aachen lost three of its last four games in the 3rd division. As a result, new coach Mersad Selimbegović’s team was under pressure against second-to-last TSV Havelse. A win was essential to prevent Aachen from spending the winter break in a relegation spot. The 1-1 draw in Havelse meant that the three points were not secured, and the team almost suffered another defeat.

Aachen started strongly and had a great chance to take the lead after just two minutes. But Mika Schroers failed to beat TSV keeper Tom Opitz when one-on-one. Havelse also had a chance (12th minute), but Aachen was the better team and missed another chance to take the lead in the 21st minute.

The hosts then improved and deservedly went into the break with the score at 0-0. After the break, Aachen went in search of the win, while Havelse waited for counterattacks. Alemannia striker Lars Gindorf almost broke the deadlock, but he was narrowly offside when he scored.

In the 73rd minute, Aachen’s Pierre Nadjombe had a chance to take the lead. But he too was denied by Opitz, and the score remained 0-0. The game saved the most exciting moments for the final stages.

In the 86th minute, Marko Ilic scored a dream goal for Havelse. Was Aachen shocked? Not at all. Just one minute later, Alemannia substitute Kwasi Wriedt scored the equalizer after an assist from Gindorf.

That was how it stayed, with the result helping no one. Aachen remain in the relegation zone and Havelse missed the chance to close the gap on a non-relegation spot after their three points in Schweinfurt. TSV go into the break with a nine-point deficit to make up.

After the winter break, Havelse will continue on Sunday (January 18, 7:30 p.m.) against TSG Hoffenheim’s U23 team. Aachen will start after the break on Saturday (January 17, 4:30 p.m.) at home against VfL Osnabrück.