VfL Halle vs Barockstadt Fulda-Lehn.

Jagupov's 67th-minute goal was decisive. Barockstadt had steadied after half-time and looked the likelier side to score, but Jagupov's strike extended the lead to two goals, forcing the Regionalliga side to chase the game against a disciplined Oberliga defence.

Joel Marks opened the scoring inside 11 minutes and was a persistent threat down Halle's left flank. Jegor Jagupov added the crucial second goal that ultimately won the match. Lennox Erb scored the late consolation for Barockstadt, showing composure to finish with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Nicolas Wähling made his debut for Barockstadt after signing just a day earlier. The versatile 28-year-old, who can play both wings, as a number eight or as a striker, played the entire second half. "You can't forget that Nicolas arrived on Tuesday and now played a half," Cimen said. "He's flexible, can play both wings, play as an eight and has also played as a striker."

The match was watched by an announced attendance of 200 at Stadion am Zoo. The result itself is notable: VfL Halle play in the Oberliga NOFV-Süd (German fifth tier), a full division below Barockstadt's Regionalliga Südwest (fourth tier). The scoreline reflects Barockstadt's early-stage pre-season preparation — the squad featured a large number of substitutes, with 17 players used according to the match report, and several new signings still integrating.

Both sides are in the thick of pre-season. Barockstadt, who begin their fifth consecutive Regionalliga Südwest campaign in the coming weeks, still have work to do defensively. "The good thing is: we're here together and can work through this quickly," Cimen said, referencing the team's training camp in Halle. Cimen also confirmed the squad is not yet finalised: "I wouldn't say it's closed, we're still looking around."

For VfL Halle, the result is a confidence boost against higher-tier opposition ahead of their own Oberliga campaign.

A routine pre-season defeat for Barockstadt, but one that exposed defensive frailties Cimen will want to address before the real action begins. Halle deserved their win on the night, capitalising on the gulf in preparation stages between the two sides.