Having been on the bench for the first team's Champions League away match in Manchester on Tuesday, Steffen Tigges was on the pitch at the Preussenstadion in Münster less than 24 hours later. The captain of the U23s was adamant that he wanted to be there for the big game in the Regionalliga West and help maintain the team's good position at the top of the table. 

"It was a little late, so I didn’t get much sleep," said the attacker after the 1-1 draw in Münster. "But I am pleased that we played well and took a point back with us. Even though it was exhausting, I am going to bed with a smile on my face," he added.  

"Exhausting" is a fitting word. During the 93-minute game, the two teams experienced just about every weather condition imaginable, from bright sunshine to snow storms. Both teams took on the challenge, focusing on the things they could influence. 

Kolbeinn Finnsson rounded off the first attack of any note in the 9th minute, giving BVB a 1‑0 lead. The Icelander was waiting at the far post after a low cross from Tobi Raschl and prodded the ball over the line for his fourth goal of the season. Münster were able to find the equaliser only a few moments later to make it 1-1. Gerrit Wegkamp scored a header, giving goalkeeper Luca Unbehaun no chance. The keeper had a really good game despite the goal and also impressed in the build-up play.  

"It was a game of two halves. Münster were always dangerous around the box. But we defended that well and Luca also made an amazing save. We have him to thank," said Steffen Tigges. "In the second half, we took complete control of the game and were closer to scoring a second goal than Münster. The bottom line is that we can live with the point, as it's fair because it was a clash of two good teams who gave it their all."

The Black and Yellows have taken a respectable seven points against the teams lying in third, fourth and fifth in the league. The fact that these games all came back-to-back underlines the impressive effort of this young team. For comparison: Second-placed RW Essen managed only three points against those opponents. And because Essen could not improve on a 1-1 draw in Rödinghausen, BVB's lead at the top of the table remains at nine points. RWE, however, still have a game in hand, which they will play next Wednesday against Lippstadt. Both teams at the top of the table will then have played the same number of matches.

The next game for the Black and Yellows is on Saturday. Enrico Maaßen's team will travel to play the Borussia Mönchengladbach U23s with kick-off at 14:00 CET. 
Timo Lammert