Lions Gloating in the Sun

On a beautiful spring day, TSV 1860 Munich hosted Bavarian neighbours FC Ingolstadt, who travelled the 90 kilometres down the A9 motorway bristling with confidence after a 14 game unbeaten run. During the winter break, FCI acquired five new players. It is unlikely that the club's sponsor Audi will be satisfied with the Bundesliga's second tier for much longer. Every indication is that they will be making more substantial moves in the summer transfer market - provided they escape relegation this campaign.

One of the players the visitors acquired, Manuel Schäffler, arrived from local rivals 1860. The 23-year-old striker had only played a bit-part role (14 appearances, 1 goal) at his former club, and would have been keen to impress his former employers on his return to the Allianz Arena. Despite taking his place in the starting line-up, Schäffler had a negligible impact on affairs.

FCI's aggressive probing in the first quarter quickly fizzled out, and instead it was the home side that struck first. Serbian defender Antonio Rukavina's cross found top scorer Kevin Volland, who volleyed sweetly home in the 23rd minute.

However, the Lions' lead was short-lived. In the 32nd minute, ex-Unterhaching midfielder Stefan Leitl slotted home from just outside the box and the sides went in level at the break.

The second half started with a bang when winger Stefan Aigner chested home from close range from a Benny Lauth corner in the 48th minute to put the Lions back in front.

Dominik Stahl's first goal of the season put the result beyond doubt in the 59th minute, and it was arguably a goal worthy of winning any match. Stahl exchanged passes with Volland 25 yards out before hitting a left-footed screamer past the helpless FCI keeper Ramazan Özcan.

The Lions sealed the deal when substitute Daniel Halfar made a run for goal and passed inside to Aigner, who cutely back-heeled it on a plate for Volland to slam home his 13th goal of the season. The match ended with a scoreline of 4:1 for 1860 Munich.

Sechzig goalkeeper, Gabor Kiraly, made an astoundingly good save in the 82nd minute, and the match ended without any further drama.

Any 1860 fan looking beyond this season has got to be a little concerned that two of the three scorers will be moving on to pastures new. Aigner has signed for Eintracht Frankfurt, while Volland, on loan from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, will return to his parent club.