

Rot‑Weiss Essen 5-1 Schwarz‑Weiss Essen
International Club Friendly – 11 July 2026
Rot‑Weiss Essen delivered a resounding 5‑1 victory over local rivals Schwarz‑Weiss Essen in a one‑sided pre‑season friendly at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße. The Regionalliga West side showed their attacking firepower early, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Match Overview
The match was the first pre‑season meeting between the two Essen clubs in several years, attracting a substantial crowd. Rot‑Weiss, who play in the fourth tier of German football, were too strong for their fifth‑division opponents, though Schwarz‑Weiss never stopped battling.
Key Moments
- Blistering start: Rot‑Weiss scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, capitalising on defensive hesitancy. The first was a cool finish after a through ball, the second a powerful header from a corner.
- Rapid three‑goal burst: Between the 25th and 35th minutes, the home side added three more goals, two of which came from quick counter‑attacks and one from a long‑range strike. The score was 5‑0 by half‑time.
- Schwarz‑Weiss consolation: The visitors pulled one back in the 72nd minute with a well‑worked goal, slotting home from close range after a cross from the right.
Tactical Story
Rot‑Weiss employed a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 that overwhelmed Schwarz‑Weiss from the first whistle. Their wingers stayed wide, stretching the defence and creating space for midfield runners. Schwarz‑Weiss tried to play out from the back but were punished repeatedly by turnovers in dangerous areas.
Standout Players
Rot‑Weiss’s left winger was a constant threat, scoring once and providing two assists. The home centre‑forward also impressed with a brace. For Schwarz‑Weiss, the goalkeeper made several saves to prevent the scoreline from being even more lopsided.
Season Impact
For Rot‑Weiss, this performance signals strong preparation for the upcoming Regionalliga season. Schwarz‑Weiss will focus on defensive organisation and decision‑making under pressure as they continue their pre‑season programme.