Energie Cottbus played to a frustrating 2:2 draw against Hannover 96 II, extending their winless streak to four matches. Despite leading twice through goals from Erik Engelhardt and Lucas Copado, they were unable to secure a victory. The game ended on a low note with defender Filip Kusic receiving a red card during stoppage time. Cottbus, now looking for answers, will face Sandhausen next on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Frustrating 2:2 Draw for Energie Cottbus
In a hard-fought match, Energie Cottbus faced a disappointing 2:2 draw against Hannover 96 II, extending their winless streak to four games. Despite a commendable performance, the Lausitz team was unable to secure the victory they sought.
The encounter saw Energie Cottbus, currently in third place in the league, battle against the second-to-last positioned Hannover 96 II. The match, held on Tuesday evening, featured goals from Erik Engelhardt (20th minute) and Lucas Copado (34th) for the hosts, while Valmir Sulejmani (31st) and Eric Uhlmann (53rd) netted for Hannover. The game concluded on a sour note for Cottbus as defender Filip Kusic received a red card for unsportsmanlike behavior during stoppage time.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Returning from a bout of fever that sidelined him during the crucial match against 1. FC Saarbrücken, Lucas Copado showcased his skills early on with swift dribbles. He created the first scoring opportunity, though his shot veered wide of the target. However, in the 20th minute, Copado’s efforts bore fruit when he delivered a remarkable assist to Erik Engelhardt, who executed a stunning backheel shot to put Cottbus ahead 1:0.
The jubilation was short-lived as Hannover equalized shortly after with a clever corner kick play leading to Sulejmani’s goal. Cottbus responded quickly; Engelhardt turned provider again, assisting Copado for a header just minutes later, restoring their lead at 2:1. Though they dominated possession, Cottbus struggled to create additional clear-cut chances before halftime.
After the break, Cottbus faced a shake-up when a curling shot from Stefano Marino struck the crossbar, signaling a shift in momentum. Uhlmann soon capitalized on a defensive lapse, scoring the equalizer for Hannover in the 53rd minute. Despite several attempts from Cottbus, including a near-miss from substitute Maximilian Krauß, they could not find the decisive goal. The match ended with Kusic’s sending-off for a seemingly reckless kick on an opponent, leaving Cottbus to finish the game with ten players.
In the spotlight was Erik Engelhardt, whose much-anticipated return to form seemed to alleviate some pressure, culminating in his first goal since the winter break. His contributions were vital, though he fell short in the second half, lacking that crucial edge to secure a win for his team.
The draw, while a relief after three consecutive losses, leaves Energie Cottbus looking for answers as they prepare for their next challenge against Sandhausen on Sunday at 1:30 PM.