Rot-Weiss Essen 6-2 Würzburger Kickers: Engelmann hat-trick inspires emphatic win

Rot-Weiss Essen produced a devastating attacking display on 12 September 2026, thrashing Würzburger Kickers 6-2 in the German 3.Liga. A hat-trick from Simon Engelmann led the way at the Hafenstraße, as RWE scored six goals in a match that will be remembered for its relentless intensity and clinical finishing.

Match Overview

Essen started at a furious pace and were ahead inside eight minutes. Simon Engelmann opened the scoring with a trademark finish after a low cross from the right. Marcel Platzek doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, converting a rebound after the Würzburger goalkeeper had saved well. Engelmann added his second in the 34th minute, turning in a header from close range.

Würzburger Kickers pulled one back in the 41st minute through Fabian Graudenz, who finished a rare break with a composed strike. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished early in the second half. Engelmann completed his hat-trick in the 52nd minute, finishing a sweeping move with a first-time shot. Cebio Soukou made it 5-1 in the 63rd minute before Max Wegner reduced the deficit for Würzburger in the 70th. Oguzhan Kefkir rounded off the scoring in the 88th minute to make it 6-2.

Key Moments

• 8' – Essen 1-0: Simon Engelmann finished a flowing move down the right.
• 22' – Essen 2-0: Marcel Platzek pounced on a rebound inside the box.
• 34' – Essen 3-0: Engelmann headed home from close range.
• 41' – Würzburger 3-1: Fabian Graudenz scored against the run of play.
• 52' – Essen 4-1: Engelmann completed his hat-trick with a crisp first-time finish.
• 63' – Essen 5-1: Cebio Soukou added a fifth after a driving run.
• 70' – Würzburger 5-2: Max Wegner scored a consolation for the visitors.
• 88' – Essen 6-2: Oguzhan Kefkir completed the rout late on.

Tactical Story

Rot-Weiss Essen were relentless with their high press, forcing Würzburger into repeated turnovers in their own half. The front three pressed as a unit, and the midfield pushed up to suffocate any attempt to play out from the back. Essen's wide players delivered a stream of crosses, and Engelmann's movement in the box proved impossible to handle.

Würzburger Kickers tried to defend in a deep 5-3-2 block, but they were overwhelmed by Essen's tempo. When they did win the ball, they struggled to keep it, and their two goals came from moments of individual quality rather than sustained pressure. Essen's dominance was reflected in the shot count and the number of corners they forced.

Standout Players

Simon Engelmann (Rot-Weiss Essen) was the obvious star, scoring three goals and leading the line with authority. Marcel Platzek and Cebio Soukou also impressed, each scoring and creating chances. For Würzburger Kickers, Fabian Graudenz and Max Wegner took their goals well, but they were fighting a losing battle for most of the evening.

Season Impact

The emphatic win gives Rot-Weiss Essen a significant boost to their goal difference, which can be vital in the German 3.Liga promotion race. It also sends a message to the rest of the division about their attacking potential. Würzburger Kickers will need to regroup quickly, as conceding six goals will raise questions about their defensive structure. For Essen, the challenge now is to reproduce this level of performance on a consistent basis.