Lok Leipzig triumphs in the penalty shootout and secures the Saxony Cup!

Lok Leipzig triumphs in the penalty shootout and secures the Saxony Cup!

On the evening of May 24, 2025, 1. FC Lok Leipzig achieved a thrilling victory against third division club FC Erzgebirge Aue in the final of the Saxony Cup. The game in the sold-out Bruno Plache Stadium ended without goals after 120 minutes; a nerve-wracking penalty shootout ultimately decided the duel 6:5 in favor of Lok Leipzig. In particular, Lok goalkeeper Niclas Müller will be remembered for his decisive save in the penalty shootout.

Both teams started the game with a lot of commitment in front of 12,154 spectators, including around 2,000 supporters from Aue. Nevertheless, the first half was characterized by many duels and there were no seriously dangerous chances to score for a long time. Aue first had a shot on goal through Fabisch in the 8th minute, while Lok was denied close to goal by Ziane in the 33rd minute when his shot was blocked.

The nerve-wracking penalty shootout

After regular time and a disappointing performance in the first half, where Aue played with the best line-up, the game remained goalless in the second half. Lok Leipzig increased the pressure, but didn't score again. In the 46th minute, Kang saved a dangerous long-range shot, but Aue also couldn't find a way into the net with long-range shots. Even in extra time, the goal curtain remained unchanged. The decision was only made in the penalty shootout, when every shooter up to the eleventh shooter scored until Hoffmann's shot was parried by Niclas Müller. Adrian Kireski secured the final victory with his subsequent goal.

With this triumph, Lok Leipzig not only secured the Saxony Cup, but also secured a place in the DFB Cup for the coming 2025/26 season. However, the joy of winning the cup is clouded by the upcoming challenge, the relegation games against TSV Havelse. The first leg will take place next Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Bruno Plache Stadium, the second leg will follow on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Outlook for relegation

FC Erzgebirge Aue, who finished in 13th place in the 3rd league last season and started the final with two games without a win, will have to think intensively about their future season after this cup game. Both teams have proven their strengths and weaknesses and spectators can look forward to more exciting games in the coming weeks.