Rot-Weiss Essen Faces RB Leipzig in DFB-Pokal Match After Blockade Incident

Rot-Weiss Essen hosts RB Leipzig in the second round of the DFB-Pokal at the Hafenstraße stadium. Hours before the scheduled kickoff, unidentified individuals sealed the visitor sector entrance with concrete, creating a barrier between two gates within a wooden frame. Above the blocked area, a sign left at the scene read, "Bulls must stay outside today," referencing the visiting Bundesliga club.

Stadium operators and club employees quickly responded to the obstruction. Armed with picks, workers removed the concrete structure within two hours of its discovery, restoring normal access to the visiting supporters' section before the gates opened. Henrik Lerch, the press spokesperson for Rot-Weiss Essen, described the incident as a brief annoyance that was swiftly resolved.

The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, and the stunt elicited mixed reactions among football fans online. While some internet users viewed the blockade as a humorous prank against a disliked opponent, local supporters expressed concern over potential property damage costs and how the action reflects on the club's fanbase. Historically, matches involving RB Leipzig have occasionally drawn various fan protests across German competitions.

Security and traffic around the stadium are expected to face heavy restrictions. Authorities announced that through traffic on the Hafenstraße will be shut down two hours prior to the match, with access restricted strictly to vehicles holding specific parking permits. Additionally, regional rail disruptions caused by mining damage are affecting several train lines, prompting local transit providers to establish dedicated shuttle bus services for attending supporters.

On the athletic side, RB Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis prepares his squad despite missing key personnel. Forward Christopher Nkunku remains sidelined with adductor issues and will not travel to Essen, though the coaching staff anticipates his return for the upcoming Bundesliga fixture against Schalke 04. Meanwhile, Rot-Weiss Essen enters the home fixture carrying an undefeated record on their own turf, despite potential injury concerns among their attacking lineup.

Out of approximately 20,000 available seats at the Hafenstraße stadium, roughly 17,200 tickets had been sold in advance. Leipzig supporters returned a portion of their allotted visitor tickets after anticipating lower demand for the trip, resulting in about 550 visiting fans expected to accompany the Bundesliga side for the cup tie.