After their first defeat of the season at Grünwalder Stadium, the 1,500 MSV fans who had traveled with the team had only one game on their minds. Here’s how the captain views the RWE derby.

Everyone at the newly promoted club knew that MSV Duisburg would eventually suffer their first defeat in the 3rd division after their successful run. Accordingly, everyone involved took the 1-3 defeat at TSV 1860 Munich on Sunday evening in their stride – even if it was ultimately classified as “unnecessary.”

At the venerable Grünwalder Stadium, where the Zebras have recently come up short more often than not, Duisburg led in many statistics: more possession, more shots, more shots on goal. But in the end, efficiency counted once again. The Meiderich team made uncharacteristic mistakes in defense. The Lions lay in wait for counterattacks and exploited them ruthlessly.

“To be honest, I don’t really know why we lost,” said MSV coach Dietmar Hirsch at the post-match press conference. “But we have to accept it. We’re now looking forward to the derby and will give it our all against RWE next week.”

Captain Alexander Hahn, who is set to become a father next week, also quickly looked ahead: “We invited our opponents in. Of course, that’s punished more severely in the 3rd division than in the regional league.” Immediately after the final whistle, he rallied his teammates – because their reaction in the “exciting derby” will be decisive.

There was also plenty of action in the stands: while the Löwen fans impressed with their choreography at Giesings Höhen, the 1,500 or so MSV supporters who had traveled with the team responded loudly, cheering on their team with the song “Immer weiter, MSV” (Keep going, MSV) and already starting to chant insults at Essen.

This coming weekend will show how MSV will deal with their first setback. The weeks of truth against the top teams have only just begun. The stakes are high, as RWE could move to within two points of the leaders. This makes it all the more important for the Zebras to learn from their mistakes and respond appropriately on the pitch.