Alemannia Aachen continues its winning streak in the Regionalliga West. In a hard-fought match against bottom-of-the-table Velbert, Aachen won 1-0.

Alemannia Aachen also won against the bottom team in the Regionalliga West, SSVg Velbert. Dustin Wilms scored the golden goal for the 1-0 victory early in the game (17th minute).

Aachen coach Heiner Backhaus saw the expected tough game, but praised the performance in the first half: “It was a very difficult game for us after an incredibly emotional week. I warned my team all week about the game. And that’s how it was. In the first half, we pressed well and hardly allowed them any chances. We were in control.”

After the break, however, Velbert came out with renewed vigor and repeatedly threatened the penalty area. That was to be expected, as Backhaus revealed: “After hearing the visiting coach’s half-time talk, I didn’t really need to say anything. We knew that our opponents would come out of the dressing room differently. And that’s how it was: Velbert was sharp in the tackles and we just stood there looking at each other. We then had to finish the game through Dustin Wilms. But we didn’t allow anything at the back. That’s what sets us apart at the moment. I have to praise our defense.”

Wilms’ chance in particular stuck in Backhaus’ mind. Hardly surprising, as the striker was running completely alone towards the goal and the SSVg keeper also seemed to be heading for the wrong corner. But contrary to expectations, Wilms decided to pass across to Anton Heinz, who was then blocked.

Wilms was also angry at himself for his mistake in that situation: “I should have taken the second one too, then I’d feel a bit better now. Next time, I’ll shoot myself. Then we can take it easier in the final minutes.”

While Alemannia Aachen moves up to third place for the time being thanks to the win, SSVg Velbert is sliding deeper and deeper into crisis. The bitter consequence is that they are bottom of the table at the halfway point of the season.

However, coach Dimitrios Pappas could not blame his team too much: “We expected an Aachen side full of confidence. I have to praise my boys. They put up a good fight. We need to score the equalizer in the second half. We try our best in every game and fight hard. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough against Aachen.”

Velbert’s next game is an away match against SV Lippstadt (Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m.). At the same time, Alemannia will face Wuppertaler SV, looking to get revenge for the first leg.