Sprockhovel vs Germania Ratingen

Sprockhövel goalkeeper Knällmann kept his side in the game with a concentrated first-half display, ensuring the scores remained level at the break. The home side had struggled to break down a well-organised Ratingen defence in the opening 45 minutes.

Schröder's 50th-minute opener — his second goal in as many trial appearances for Ratingen — gave the visitors a deserved lead. But the response from Sprockhövel was emphatic.

Eron Morina levelled in the 62nd minute, finishing clinically to continue what the TSG club report described as a "top form" pre-season period. The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in the home side's favour.

Mounir Azzam completed the turnaround in the 78th minute, slotting home what proved to be the winner. The new signing has now scored in consecutive pre-season fixtures and "continues to gather arguments" for a starting berth, according to the club's match report.

Morina's 62nd-minute equaliser changed the character of the match entirely. Ratingen had been comfortable defending their lead, but once Sprockhövel found the net, they dominated the remaining half-hour. Azzam's winner 16 minutes later was the logical outcome of sustained pressure against a tiring Ratingen side.

• Eron Morina (Sprockhövel) — Scored the crucial equaliser and was described by the club as being in "top form." Looks poised for a breakthrough season in Oberliga Westfalen.
• Mounir Azzam (Sprockhövel) — The new signing continued his impressive pre-season with the winning goal, his second in as many friendlies. Building a strong case for a regular starting role.
• Maxim Schröder (Germania Ratingen) — Scored on his second trial appearance for Ratingen, which helped secure a permanent contract until 2028. Had been involved in all three of Ratingen's goals across his two trial matches (one goal, one assist against Bergisch Gladbach, and this strike).
• Ibrahim Bulut (Sprockhövel) — Acted as the "conductor" from the back in Sprockhövel's build-up play, providing the structural foundation for the comeback.

Player of the match: Eron Morina (Sprockhövel)

Sprockhövel's first-half struggles gave way to second-half dominance once the equaliser arrived. The home side's inability to break through before the interval — despite controlling possession — reflected Ratingen's defensive organisation under coach Damian Apfeld. After the 62nd minute, TSG created the clearer chances, and the 2-1 scoreline arguably flattered Ratingen, who faded after Schröder's early second-half goal.

For Sprockhövel, this was a valuable pre-season test against a side from the neighbouring Oberliga Niederrhein. The win continues a positive pre-season build-up ahead of the 2026/27 Oberliga Westfalen campaign. Their next fixture was the local derby against SC Obersprockhövel on 18 July 2026.

For Germania Ratingen, the match served as a final audition for trialist Schröder, who impressed enough to earn a deal. The Oberliga Niederrhein outfit — who finished second in 2025/26 — are shaping a squad they hope can go one better and win promotion to the Regionalliga this season. Their Oberliga campaign begins on 16 August 2026 away at SpVg Schonnebeck, with a Niederrheinpokal trip to VfL Rhede beforehand.

A routine pre-season friendly that tested both sides in different ways. Sprockhövel showed character to recover from a half-time deficit, while Ratingen's early promise faded after the hour mark. The lasting significance may be the signing of Schröder, who demonstrated enough in this match to earn a three-year contract.