In the first leg, Wuppertaler SV scored a late winner against Alemannia Aachen. WSV will be looking to score again with interim coach Christian Britscho.

Wuppertaler SV against Alemannia Aachen. After the first leg of the season opener saw a great crowd at the Tivoli, plenty of drama and a late winner in extra time, all eyes will be on the Stadion am Zoo at the start of the second half of the season on matchday 18 of the Regionalliga West.

Alemannia are in good form and want to take revenge for the 2-1 defeat in the first leg. Meanwhile, things are not going so well in Wuppertal. WSV have been without a win for three games, most recently drawing 1-1 at 1. FC Düren.

“I thought the game against Düren was okay in many phases,” explained interim coach Christian Britscho at the WSV press conference. “We didn’t play the stars out of the sky, but that’s not to be expected at this time of year in Düren.”

Britscho made his debut in Düren following the dismissal of Hüzeyfe Dogan. “We’ve been working together in this constellation for just over a week and the thought processes that the old man has in his head are not yet so clear for everyone,” said the 53-year-old, giving an insight into his first few days as WSV head coach. “It’s all about these processes, and I have to praise the squad. They are very willing to learn and are always fully committed. “

That will also be important against Alemannia. The Kaiserstädter have won seven of their last eight matches and have only lost one game since Heiner Backhaus took over as coach. “Aachen have a clear plan and a team that follows it through one hundred percent. They often take the lead with early pressing and defend very well, both tactically and physically,” said Britscho, analyzing the strengths of the team currently third in the table. “Our task will be to not play into Aachen’s hands. We have to take the lead ourselves and show that things won’t go their way in recent weeks.”

Pytlik and Tunga will be missing – “Team is willing”

In addition to the suspended Kevin Pytlik, midfielder Steve Tunga (knee injury) will also be missing. “Otherwise, everyone should be on board,” said Britscho, giving the all-clear for Niklas Dams and Charlison Benschop.

Will WSV manage to repeat the result from the first leg in Aachen? “The memory is nice, of course, but we have to concentrate on now. That’s crucial for now,” said defender Lion Schweers, who turned the first leg around with his goal in injury time (94′). Now he also wants to cheer in his own stadium: “I’m also looking forward to 4000 spectators, maybe there will be a few more. Soccer is nothing without spectators. The more behind us, the better.”

Despite the current crisis, Schweers is confident that the team will soon put the slump in form behind them: “Of course, this phase is not easy to handle, not even for the team. Nevertheless, we have worked on many details, including very meticulously. The team is willing.” The Wuppertal team will have to show this willingness over 90 minutes against Aachen