Last Sunday, the Over 35 team of Ahrweiler BC won the Rheinlandpokal for the first time. Away at FV Rübenach, the team coached by Rally Bachem won 5-2 after a penalty shootout in front of a fantastic and atmospheric crowd of 250 spectators. The next step towards Berlin, where the nationwide Over 35 Cup will be played, will take the Kreisstadt-Oldies to duels with the titleholders from the Saarland and Southwest regional associations.
In the opening phase, the hosts were the livelier and more dominant team, and deservedly took a 1-0 lead (10'). However, the joy for the Koblenz suburbs didn't last long. Instead of being shocked, the ABC improved and equalized in the 17th minute through Bekim Gerguri, assisted by his brother Shpetim. Alexander Dick and Mario Brötz subsequently had chances to take the lead, but no further goals were scored before the break.
After the break, the team from the Ahr Valley seemed to improve their situation. A red card in the 50th minute reduced the hosts to ten men. However, the numerical advantage seemed to overwhelm the ABC. Their formation became disorganized, and Rübenach took control on the artificial turf field at the Mühlenteich. Had Marcus Westphal in goal not prevented further goals with several brilliant saves, the Rübenach team might now be dreaming of a trip to the capital. The final whistle after 70 minutes released the Bachem team from the hosts' pressure. The decision now had to be made from the penalty spot.
While Rübenach missed their second and third penalties into the Koblenz afternoon sky, the Ahr oldies proved very accurate. Alexander Dick, Mario Brötz, Daniel Röber, and Aldin Sukic were as cool as cucumber and converted for what was ultimately a somewhat fortunate victory. For the first time, a U35 team, Ahrweiler BC, was able to bring the cup to the Ahr district – CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!
A huge thank you goes to the organizer of the final, FV Rübenach, who skillfully managed to provide a fitting setting for this final match.