Energie Cottbus Advances to Brandenburg Cup Semi-Finals After 4-2 Victory Over Babelsberg

Energie Cottbus has progressed to the semi-finals of the Brandenburg Cup following a decisive 4-2 away win against local rivals SV Babelsberg 03. The quarter-final match, contested at the packed Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion in Potsdam, saw both teams--two of Brandenburg's highest-ranked football clubs--compete in a spirited and fast-paced encounter.

The match commenced with high intensity as Energie Cottbus took the lead less than a minute after kickoff through Can Moustfa. SV Babelsberg responded swiftly, leveling the score in the 11th minute through Maurice Covic. Despite Babelsberg's efforts, Cottbus regained the advantage before halftime, with Dominik Pelivan netting the team's second goal in the 39th minute.

After the break, the home side again drew level, this time with a goal from George Didoss in the 52nd minute. However, Energie Cottbus continued to press forward, reclaiming the lead in the 76th minute thanks to a header from Tolcay Cigerci. The visitors sealed their victory in stoppage time when Moritz Hannemann scored, setting the final score at 4-2.

The fixture was played under heightened security measures, with a significant police presence both inside and around the stadium. This precaution followed previous incidents of disorder during past encounters between the two clubs, including the use of pyrotechnics and altercations in the stands. As a result, SV Babelsberg is currently participating in the competition on probation, with potential exclusion from future editions should similar events reoccur.

Throughout the match, both teams demonstrated determination and resilience. SV Babelsberg maintained a combative approach on a challenging playing surface, but Energie Cottbus ultimately controlled the majority of the play and created more scoring opportunities. The large crowd of 7,368 spectators contributed to a charged atmosphere, highlighting the significance of the rivalry between the teams.

Historically, Energie Cottbus has a strong record in the Brandenburg Cup, having claimed ten titles to date, while SV Babelsberg has secured the trophy on nine occasions. With this victory, Cottbus advances to the semi-final stage, where they will face the winner of the Victoria Seelow versus BSC Preußen match, scheduled for late March.

In a further development for the club, it was announced prior to the match that Energie Cottbus has extended the contract of head coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz. The extension signals the club's confidence in its technical staff, with the president confirming the new agreement during a recent members' meeting. Assistant coach Tobias Röder has also renewed his contract. The club's management emphasized their commitment to long-term development and stability, aiming to strengthen their position in the league and continue progressing both on and off the field.

Wollitz, who is in his third tenure as head coach since 2021, previously guided the team to the brink of promotion from the Regionalliga to the second division. The club now focuses on consolidating its league status and pursuing further success in the regional cup competition.