It is now the turn of the 2. Bundesliga side to host, with third-tier outfit Rot-Weiss Essen travelling to Franconia holding a slender first-leg advantage in their pursuit of promotion.
Heiko Vogel’s Fürth head into the decisive encounter with work to do after slipping to a 1-0 defeat in Essen on Friday night. Having secured their playoff place in dramatic fashion on the final day of the regular season, the Kleeblätter now require another huge performance to preserve their second-tier status and avoid dropping out of Germany’s top two divisions for the first time since 1997.
For Vogel, the backing of a sold-out Sportpark Ronhof could prove decisive. “They have the ability to be a superpower with their support,” the Fürth head coach said when discussing the home crowd. The 49-year-old has sensed growing anticipation around the club in recent days, adding: “There’s a lot of encouragement and a lot of excitement.” Vogel is embracing the occasion himself, saying: “I’m delighted that we get to play such a game at home tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Rot-Weiss Essen arrive in Fürth knowing that anything other than defeat will secure promotion to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time since their relegation in 2007. While the opening leg was a tense and cagey affair, Torben Müsel’s superb second-half free-kick ultimately proved enough to hand Uwe Koschinat’s side a narrow but valuable advantage.
Koschinat hopes the momentum generated from Friday’s victory can carry his side over the line. “I believe the game here at home showed people a little bit that we can do it,” the Essen boss explained. “That naturally makes you very proud and emotional. Now, of course, we hope we can complete the story.”
Despite their inconsistent finish to the campaign, Fürth’s home form has remained a major source of encouragement. The Franconians have lost just twice in nine home matches during 2026. Essen’s away form, however, has fluctuated considerably, with three wins from their last five outings on the road. Defensive issues away from home remain a concern for the 3. Liga side though, having conceded 14 goals across those same five matches.
Team news
Greuther Fürth: Marco John and Lukas Reich remain unavailable, while Reno Münz faces a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Rot-Weiss Essen: Franci Bouebari, Klaus Gjasula and Jannik Mause are all ruled out.
Predicted lineups
Greuther Fürth (4-1-4-1): Prüfrock (GK) – Dehm, Elvedi, Ziereis, Itter – Will – Klaus, Srbeny, Hrgota, Keller – Futkeu
Rot-Weiss Essen (3-3-2-2): Golz (GK) – Rios Alonso, Hüning, Kraulich – Hofmann, Swajkowski, Kostka – Mizuta, Müsel – Safi, Cuber Potocnik