Moritz Stoppelkamp saved 1860 from a disappointing defeat to Jahn Regensburg scoring the equaliser with only five minutes left in the game. Hofman had given the home side the lead from the spot after Schindler had fouled Neunaber but Stoppelkamp hauled his side level to keep Schmidt undefeated as 1860 manager.

In his pre-match interview, Alexander Schmidt said he was extremely frustrated at Benjamin Lauth's suspension, as was the striker himself. He knew he had to replace the striker though, and went for that age old mix of "youth and experience" recalling Wojtkowiak, Makos, Stahl and Blanco to the starting eleven.

During the now customary and yet still eerie opening 12 minute lull in atmosphere, (German fans continue their protests against the potential implementation of increased stadium security measures) both sides struggled to take control of the game in such chilly temperatures.

Bibiana Steinhaus then took the initiative and asked 1860 captain Daniel Bierofka to go and calm the 1860 fans down. Whether it did much good or not is debatable but the fact that she acted in such a manner can only be seen as a positive from a refereeing point of view. Once the noisy neighbours had calmed down, the home side then fashioned out their first real chance. Abdenour Amachaibou curled in a free-kick which Gabor Kiraly palmed over the bar to keep the game goalless. Schmidt's side needed a chance and they found it shortly before the half hour mark when Moritz Stoppelkamp found himself with a clear run at goal from the right wing but he couldn't get his effort on target, showing a lack of composure for a man normally lethal in front of goal.

1860 lethargic on the road

As much as Lauth was clearly missed, Schmidt's men lacked more than just a goalscorer. They needed more zip in midfield and may have been spared that criticism had Stoppelkamp put his effort away. A high-foot on Neunaber prevented 1860 from making more of a chance in the box but the first half finished with more of a whimper than a shout as the derby failed to live up to its hype.

The second half started in a festive mood as the snow started to fall but the teams came out in a similarly lethargic manner. To their credit, they were do all they could to make the best of an icy surface. Then the game got the chance to spring into life when the home side were awarded a penalty. Christopher Schindler caught an on-rushing Neunaber and Sebastian Hofmann stepped up to score, despite Kiraly guessing the right corner. Neither side had dominated but Regensburg had, pivotally, taken one of their chances.

Schmidt had to react and brought off the quiet Makos for striker Markus Ziereis in search of an equaliser. Stoppelkamp drove forward and forced a good save from Wiegers as the former Hannover 96 man tried to seize the game all on his own. 1860 were determined not to be deterred by the conditions but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, despite a couple of goalmouth scrambles. Then, just as he had done for most of the game, Stoppelkamp found himself in space and this time, in the area. Ziereis saw him and the winger slammed the ball past Wiegers to equalise for 1860 München with five minutes to go. It was a cruel blow for the home side, who had edged the second half but as he has on numerous occasions before, Stoppelkamp snatched victory away from 1860's opponents.

More questions than answers

Although a draw represented a fair reflection of the game and 1860 will feel like they won a point, there is also a case for two having been dropped. Schmidt's side clearly missed Lauth's knack for scoring but there were far bigger issues at play. The midfield lacked enough bite to create the chances for the strikers and as a collective, 1860 continue to struggle against teams that they really should be beating.

Schmidt has two more games left this calendar year, a home game against Dynamo Dresden (Sunday 16th December at 13.30 CET) as well as their last round of 16 tie in the German Cup against VfL Bochum the following Wedneday (19th December at 19.00 CET). 

Jahn Regensburg: Wiegers - Nachreiner, Laurito, Neunaber, Altinay - Weidlich, Kotzke - Haag, Amachaibou (80' Erfen), Machado (90' Kialka) - S. Hofmann (60' Sembolo)

TSV 1860 München: Kiraly - Feick (46' Volz), Bülow, Schindler, Wojtkowiak (72' Tomasov) - Bierofka, Makos (59' Ziereis), D. Stahl, Stoppelkamp - Wood, Blanco

Goals: 1-0 Hofman (57' pen.), 1-1 Stoppelkamp (85')

Attendance: 12,500
Referee: Bibiana Steinhaus