VfR AALEN (Städtisches Waldstadion)

2.BUNDESLIGA, VfR AALEN 1-1 FC INGLOSTADT, ATTENDANCE: 5,048

Tonight saw me cross the border from Switzerland into Southern Germany for a second division Bundesliga clash between Aalen and Ingolstadt.

Founded in 1921, Aalen led an unremarkable history in the lower tiers of German football before reaching the second tier for the first time in 2011.



The Städtisches Waldstadion, known as the Scholz-Arena for sponsorship purposes, overlooks the town and is about a 20 minute walk from the main train station. The ground has a capacity of 14,500 but was barely a third full tonight.

The game was an insipid affair, and I found it rather difficult to believe that Ingolstadt were points clear at the top of the table. They looked anything but champions-elect.

Jurgen Gjasula gave Aalen the lead from the penalty spot (56) before Mathew Leckie (77) levelled for the visitors.

It was a bitterly cold evening at the ground and, even though I had a couple of beers pre-game, I had to succumb to the Gluhwein by half time, which was very warming indeed!