Daniel Batz: Farewell game in Ludwigspark - an emotional look back!

Daniel Batz: Farewell game in Ludwigspark - an emotional look back!

1. FC Saarbrücken (FCS) is causing a stir in the football world because it has achieved what many only dream of: the team was the first fourth division team to reach the semi-finals of the DFB Cup in 2020. It was an exciting adventure, but it ended 3-0 in the semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen. Due to the corona pandemic, this game took place without spectators, which further spoiled the experience for players and fans. During this time, the team was “exiled” due to a stadium renovation in Völklingen, which did not diminish faith in the club.

The focus is particularly on goalkeeper Daniel Batz, who showed an excellent performance in the 2020/21 season. After playing 217 games for the FCS and only twelve players in the club's history have appeared on the pitch more often, Batz moved back to Bundesliga club Mainz in 2023. Next Wednesday (7 p.m.) he will invite his old hometown to a farewell game in Ludwigspark when Mainz plays a friendly. Batz is already looking forward to seeing friends and acquaintances again.

Dramatic cup encounters

The DFB Cup is a real challenge for many clubs in Germany. In the current 2024/25 season it will be held for the 82nd time. The cup, which was launched in 1935, is played in a knockout system and offers the opportunity to compete as a lower-class club against the big teams in Germany. In each round, the pairings are drawn publicly and home advantage is awarded to the lower-class teams.

Saarbrücken faced Fortuna Düsseldorf in the DFB Cup in 2023 and celebrated a courageous victory. Batz particularly stood out in this exciting game, parrying several shots in the first few minutes, including one from Hennings (10th minute) and one from Jean Zimmer (11th minute). His moments of brilliance didn't last - he proved he was one of the key players in the match with a reflex save in the 81st minute and a penalty save from Hennings. The penalty shootout ultimately decided Saarbrücken's promotion, with the team taking advantage of Düsseldorf's ice-cold uncertainty.

The path of the cup

The DFB Cup, which was known as the Tschammer Cup until 1943, has been held since it was first held in 1935 and has shaped many facets of German football. The record winner is FC Bayern Munich, who have won an incredible 20 titles. But clubs like Saarbrücken can also make a big impression through this competition and make their mark in the history of German football.

In short, the DFB Cup not only offers a stage for the big clubs, but also for the small lights like 1. FC Saarbrücken, who are fighting for their chance with a lot of heart and passion. The passion for football will be visible on Wednesday in Ludwigspark when Daniel Batz says “goodbye” and at the same time opens a new chapter in the club’s history. So it remains exciting to see what other stories this cup has in store.

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