In a pulsating German 3.Liga encounter at the Preußenstadion, Preußen Münster and Rot-Weiss Essen played out a remarkable 3-3 draw on October 10, 2026. The result leaves both teams with mixed feelings, but the neutral spectator was treated to a thrilling contest full of goals, momentum swings, and no shortage of drama.
Essen started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Münster responded well, equalising before the half-hour mark, but Essen regained the advantage shortly before half-time. The second half was a rollercoaster, with Münster scoring twice to lead 3-2, only for Essen to snatch a dramatic late equaliser.
Match Overview
The hosts struggled to contain Essen's quick transitions early on. Marvin Obuz put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute with a low drive from the edge of the box. Münster levelled in the 28th minute when Joel Grodowski converted a penalty after a foul on the lively Malik Batmaz.
Essen restored their lead in the 43rd minute through Leonardo Vonić, who headed home from a corner. But Münster came out for the second half with renewed purpose. Joshua Holtby equalised in the 57th minute with a stunning free-kick, and Batmaz put the home side 3-2 up in the 74th minute after a slick team move.
Just when it seemed Münster would hold on, Essen struck in the 89th minute. A deep cross from the right was met by substitute Ekin Çelebi, whose acrobatic volley flew past the goalkeeper to make it 3-3.
Key Moments
- 12' – Marvin Obuz fires Essen into an early lead.
- 28' – Joel Grodowski equalises from the penalty spot for Münster.
- 43' – Leonardo Vonić heads Essen back in front.
- 57' – Joshua Holtby scores a superb free-kick to make it 2-2.
- 74' – Malik Batmaz puts Münster 3-2 ahead.
- 89' – Ekin Çelebi volleys home a late equaliser for Essen.
Tactical Story
Both teams lined up in attack-minded formations, and the game developed into an end-to-end contest. Münster favoured a 4-3-3 with high full-backs, while Essen used a 4-2-3-1 that looked to spring quick counter-attacks through their pacey wide players. The midfield battle was fierce, but defensive lapses on both sides proved decisive.
Münster's pressing was effective in the second half, forcing Essen into turnovers, but the visitors' resilience and set-piece threat kept them in the game. The draw was a fair reflection of a match where neither defence could truly assert control.
Standout Players
Malik Batmaz was electric for Münster, winning the penalty and scoring a well-taken goal. Joshua Holtby dictated the tempo and produced a moment of magic with his free-kick. For Essen, Marvin Obuz was a constant menace, and Ekin Çelebi showed great composure for his late equaliser.
Table Impact
The draw leaves Preußen Münster in 8th place in the German 3.Liga standings, while Rot-Weiss Essen sit 10th. Both clubs remain within touching distance of the promotion play-off places, but they will need to tighten up defensively if they are to mount a serious challenge. The reverse fixture promises to be another entertaining affair.

