FC Hansa Rostock lost its second-to-last friendly before the start of the Third League against Borussia Mönchengladbach, ending in a 1:3 score (0-0). The match at the Ostseestadion was delayed significantly due to a medical emergency.
With a 40-minute delay, the game was restarted after a medical intervention on the East tribune. A person involved had been taken to the hospital, reported by FC Hansa on Instagram. Both clubs wished for quick recovery. The team did not play its usual anthem before entering the field; the atmosphere at the stadium with around 20,000 spectators was dampened due to a fan and family day.
On the pitch, under trainer Daniel Brinkmann's guidance, Hansa held their own against the Bundesliga side in the first half, especially defensively. Offensively, Rostock faced some challenges but both teams had chances to take the lead. The hosts were particularly dangerous from corners, with Innenverteidiger Lukas Wallner nearly scoring twice.
Hansa grew stronger towards the end of the first half. New goalkeeper Luca Unbehaun was on form and stopped a powerful header by Tim Kleindienst, who had recovered from an earlier injury for Gladbach.
In the second half, the intensity increased significantly, with Gladbach continuing its upward trend - and scoring. In the 49th minute, Youngster Lukas Ullrich scored from the flank to give Gladbach a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after, referee Bastian Dankert had a scare when he slipped into Shuto Machino while trying to avoid the ball (54 minutes). Fortunately, it was quickly resolved for the official.
Kevin Stöger increased the lead in the 58th minute with a direct free-kick to make it 2-0, and Isac Lidberg sealed the victory with an impressive shot past Unbehaun (71st minute).
In the final minutes, Hansa scored a consolation goal: Milosz Brzozowski missed his shot but substitute Niklas Kölle scored in the aftermath.
On Sunday at 13:00, Hansa will face TSG Neustrelitz in its last pre-season match before the Third League season starts.
