The relegation battle is getting tighter and tighter for FC Erzgebirge Aue. Even a newly promoted team that had long been trailing in the standings is too strong.

FC Erzgebirge Aue has suffered another major setback in the relegation battle of the 3rd Football League. Jens Härtel’s team lost 1-3 (1-0) to TSV Havelse, previously second-to-last in the standings, after conceding three late goals. Three games, three losses, zero points: That is now Aue’s sobering record since the winter break.

Jonah Fabisch had given the 17th-place team the lead in stoppage time of the first half at Hannover’s Eilenriedestadion (45’+1). But after the break, the team paid the price for Marcel Bär failing to capitalize on a great chance to make it 2-0 (49’), allowing the promoted side to stay in the game.

Nassim Boujellab (74′) and Lorenzo Paldino (81′) turned the game around in the closing stages within seven minutes. Robin Müller sealed the deal in stoppage time (90’+8). As a result, Havels, who had been trailing far behind in the standings for a long time, closed the gap to just three points behind FC Erzgebirge.

With the exception of the closing minutes of the first half and the start of the second, Aue were particularly disappointing on offense. Even after conceding the two goals, they noticeably lacked the belief and drive to mount a comeback in this crucial match.