FC Ingolstadt with a narrow 1:2 defeat against Rot-Weiss Essen

FC Ingolstadt with a narrow 1:2 defeat against Rot-Weiss Essen

There was an exciting duel in the third league at the Audi Sportpark on November 8, 2025, in which FCI Ingolstadt suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Rot-Weiss Essen. This defeat breaks a two-month home streak without a loss in their own stadium. The pressure on the team and coach Sabrina Wittmann is now increasing as the next important games are just around the corner.

At the start of the game, Ingolstadt had their first chance to score. Dennis Kaygin tried in the 4th minute, but his shot was parried by Essen goalkeeper Jakob Golz. Max Besuschkow and Linus Rosenloche also came dangerously in front of the goal several times, but were unable to score. On the other hand, Rot-Weiss Essen showed that they also wanted to make a strong impression, but the shots from Tom Moustier, Kaito Mizuta and Lucas Brumme were all a case for goalkeeper Kai Eisele, who saved safely. The first half ended 0-0, which only increased the tension in the stadium.

The second round and the turnaround

A real shock for the home team followed in the second half: after a precise cross from Ahmet Arslan, Jaka Potočnik made it 1-0 for the guests in the 51st minute. The FCI then tried to increase the pressure and create chances through Mads Borchers and Kaygin, but remained without reward. Even an opportunity from Marcel Costly in the 52nd minute couldn't overcome the Essen defense.

But in the 77th minute, Kaito Mizuta showed his skills and scored ice-cold to make it 2-0 for Essen. Things got slippery for the guests in the 81st minute: Ramien Safi fouled Yann Sturm on the edge of the penalty area and the referee awarded a penalty. Dennis Kaygin stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to make it 1:2 (82nd minute). The final phase was characterized by an intense fight for the equalizer, but Rot-Weiss Essen's stable defense did not allow another goal.

The next challenges

The coming games are crucial for the Ingolstadt team. The Toto Cup game against SSV Jahn Regensburg is on November 14th, followed by an important league game final against VfL Osnabrück on November 22nd. In these encounters, the FCI must learn from the mistakes of the game against Essen in order to get back on the road to success.

The FCI is relying on a clear analysis of yesterday's game in order to develop further. The team is aware that the road is long, but with united strength and the support of their fans behind them, there is hope for a comeback. To paraphrase a famous saying: “After the game is before the game!”