Erzgebirge Aue vs FC Ingolstadt 04 Match Recap - Dec 7, 2025

Aue and Ingolstadt Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Erzgebirge Aue's resilience shines through as they claw back from a goal down twice to secure a draw against FC Ingolstadt 04. This match encapsulated the ongoing struggles and fleeting moments of brilliance for both teams, reflecting their recent forms and the stakes involved in this relegation battle.

Aue's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with their last five matches yielding just one win. The 4-3 victory against SSV Jahn Regensburg showcased their attacking potential, but inconsistency has plagued them, as evidenced by their inability to score more than once in four of those games. The draw today marks a continuation of their struggle to find stability, yet it also highlights their fighting spirit, particularly in the second half where they equalized twice.

Ingolstadt, on the other hand, entered this match with a mixed bag of results, including a recent win against Hoffenheim II. Their performance today was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly from Fredrik Carlsen, who opened the scoring. However, the red card issued to Julian Kugel in the 33rd minute shifted the dynamics significantly, forcing them to adapt defensively. Despite this setback, they managed to maintain pressure and found a late equalizer through Jonas Scholz, demonstrating their tenacity.

The midfield battle was pivotal, with both teams struggling to maintain possession effectively. Ingolstadt's midfield, led by Carlsen and Max Plath, initially controlled the tempo but faltered after Kugel's dismissal. Conversely, Aue's midfielders, particularly Jonah Fabisch, began to exploit gaps left by the visitors, leading to their resurgence in the second half. Fabisch's creativity was crucial in linking play and providing support to the forwards.

Statistically, both teams exhibited similar expected goals (xG) metrics throughout the match, suggesting that while chances were created, finishing remained an issue. Aue's ability to convert two of their opportunities reflects a slight edge in composure under pressure compared to Ingolstadt, who struggled to capitalize on their chances despite having a numerical advantage for much of the match.

The late drama unfolded as Aue took the lead for the first time through Fabisch, only for Ingolstadt to respond almost immediately with Scholz's equalizer in stoppage time. This pattern of trading blows underscores the volatility both teams have faced this season. For Aue, it was a moment of redemption for Fabisch, who had been inconsistent in previous outings but stepped up when it mattered most.

Looking ahead, Aue remains in 17th place with 18 points, still entrenched in relegation concerns. Their upcoming match against MSV Duisburg will be critical as they seek to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Ingolstadt, now sitting in 13th with 21 points, must address their defensive frailties if they hope to climb further away from the relegation zone. Their next fixture against TSV 1860 München presents an opportunity to solidify their position.

Reflecting on my earlier predictions, I anticipated a narrow victory for Aue based on their home advantage and recent form. While they did not secure all three points, the draw serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to fight back under pressure. Both teams have shown that while inconsistency remains a theme, moments of brilliance can emerge even in challenging circumstances.

This match encapsulated the essence of 3. Liga football-intense competition where every point counts. As both teams navigate through this tumultuous season, today's encounter will be remembered as a crucial chapter in their ongoing narratives of survival and redemption.