Overview

• The 3. Liga meeting kicked off at 19:00 in Rostock and was halted for about seven minutes shortly after the start due to a large home‑end pyrotechnic display.
• Cottbus started Tolcay Cigerci despite his wife expecting their first child, ending pre‑match uncertainty over his availability.
• Both outlets published the XIs, with Cottbus restoring Awortwie‑Grant alongside King Manu and Hansa adjusting shape due to Gürleyen’s suspension as Neidhart came in at fullback.
• Ex‑Energie player Maximilian Krauß started for Hansa and drew boos from visiting fans, reflecting lingering ill will after his May transfer and coach Claus‑Dieter Wollitz’s accusations of disrespect before his suspension.
• Context to the derby stakes: Hansa entered matchday nine in a slump at 15th with several injured attackers, while Cottbus arrived in strong form described as third in the table.