Ahrweiler BC remains the benchmark in the Rheinlandliga. With a 4-2 victory over promoted side FV Rübenach, who had to relocate to Horchheim due to faulty floodlights, the team of Mike Wunderlich and Kevin Pires Rodrigues celebrated their eighth win in eight games – and underscored their ambitions with a performance that revealed both maturity and resilience.
The opening phase? A clear statement from the league leaders. After just six minutes, René Ebersbach nodded home into the 0-1 after a corner from Ümit Kuzuz. The favorite pressed, Rübenach bravely held their ground, but after a precise cross from Mohaaned Saed, Almir Porca technically finished for the 0-2 (38th). The match seemed decided early on.
But the league newcomer showed character. Hamza Aliou, who once played for ABC himself, brought the hosts back with a tap-in (52nd) – and six minutes later, he scored the equalizer with a long-range screamer from 30 meters. Ahrweiler faltered and had to regroup. "The boys needed a good ten minutes to get back into the game," admitted Wunderlich.
Then individual class prevailed. After a defended corner, Thomas Idel shot, Porca deflected decisively to make it 2-3 (73rd minute). In stoppage time, joker Kevin Wetschorek capped off the evening with the 2-4 after strong build-up play from Jonas Sola-Vicente.
The ABC then defended cleverly, hardly allowing any more danger to arise - and additionally benefited from Mülheim-Kärlich's defeat. With a five-point lead, Ahrweiler is now alone at the top. Wunderlich was satisfied: "We have taken the next step in terms of playing." The next test awaits on Saturday at SG Schneifel.
Symbol photo:
Rene Ebersbach (l.) scored and Mohannad Saed provided a textbook assist.