AACHEN, Germany (Interstat) — Alemannia Aachen opened its 3. Liga season with a commanding 3-1 victory over visiting Stuttgart on Saturday, defying pregame projections in a match that saw the home side capitalize on decisive moments at Tivoli.

The result immediately separates the two clubs in the early standings, with Aachen securing a winning start and Stuttgart left to search for its first points.

Against a statistical forecast that favored a 2-2 draw, Aachen established control early. Forward Niklas Castelle ignited the home supporters in the ninth minute, finishing a move to give Aachen a lead it would not relinquish. The goal set a proactive tone for the home side, which managed the first half effectively despite a growing tally of cautions. Stuttgart’s Matti Wagner received a yellow card in the 28th minute, followed by Aachen midfielder Jonas Oehmichen in the 41st.

The match’s complexion shifted dramatically in the closing moments of the first half and the opening of the second. In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Stuttgart substitute Samuele Di Benedetto was booked. Shortly after the restart, his fellow substitute Leny Meyer made a more positive impact, scoring in the 49th minute to pull Stuttgart level at 1-1.

The parity was fleeting. Aachen responded with swift authority, retaking the lead just eight minutes later. Forward Mika Schroers found the net in the 57th minute, restoring the home side’s advantage and momentum. The quick reply seemed to demoralize Stuttgart, which struggled to mount a sustained threat thereafter.

Aachen sealed the three points in the 72nd minute through defender Marius Wegmann, who pushed forward to score, putting the result beyond doubt at 3-1. The goal underscored a comprehensive team performance, with assists spread across the lineup from Matti Wagner, Joel Kiala, Jonas Oehmichen, Samuele Di Benedetto and Omar Sillah.

The latter stages of the match saw discipline wane, with Aachen’s Joel Kiala receiving a yellow card in the 78th minute and Stuttgart’s Omar Sillah booked in the 84th, but the outcome was firmly decided.

The victory gives Alemannia Aachen a perfect start to its 3. Liga campaign, moving to one win and no losses. Stuttgart begins its season with one loss and no wins. The performance exceeded expectations for Aachen, which was given a 51.3 percent probability to win by statistical models, and convincingly overturned a projected draw.

The clubs will look to build on these initial results next week as the 3. Liga season continues.