Ex-Lion Comes Back to Bite 1860 Munich
Allianz Arena, January 28 - 1860 Munich were denied a deserved home victory against third-placed MSV Duisburg by an ex-60 player returning to haunt them. Only 15,000 hardy souls braved the elements at the Allianz Arena with the winter chill kicking in and sub-zero temperatures for the 1-1 draw.
The Lions attempted to warm their fans' spirits with Benny 'Bomber' Lauth deservedly putting the home side ahead. The Lions captain took advantage of some comical defending to fire home on 42 minutes. It was the former German international striker's 10th goal of season.
1860 dominated for long periods but were made to pay for squandered chances. Djordje Rakic should have sealed the deal but was showing a distinct lack of confidence in front of goal. Rakic rolled a shot agonisingly across the face of goal on 78 minutes and moments later the substitute unleashed a better effort just past the post. The Serbian striker's goal drought continues - Lakic hasn't found the net since September.
Out of the blue, Manuel Schäffler fired home an undeserved equaliser for Duisburg with just four minutes to play. The former Lion (22), on a season-long loan deal to the Zebras, cashed in on slack marking to score a flattering equaliser for the visitors.
Returning villain Schäffler added: " It was nice to score my first goal of the season against of all teams 1860. I lay down during the goal celebration and didn't want to overdo it.''
Until Schäffler's sickening late body blow, the visitors did not look at all threatening on their rare attacking forays and were definitely suffering from a cup hangover, having reached the last four of the German Cup in midweek with a comfortable victory over Kaiserslautern.
In fact, it could have got worse for the Lions as goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly was called on to make a great reflex save in the last minute from Bruno Soares to ensure at least a share of the points.
But this would have been much too harsh on 1860. "We were clearly the better side and created loads of chances but had no luck in front of goal, explained a bitterly disappointed Coach Reiner Maurer. "1-1 feels like a defeat."
Next Monday 1860 take on Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Allianz Arena. Kickoff is at 2015.
