Beware of the Lion - TSV 1860 Munich can still mix with the Bundesliga's best

On Friday, 30 October, Bulinews stopped off in Giesing, München for TSV 1860 Munich's thrilling meeting with TSV Buchbach. I had the pleasure of seeing them as the away team in North Rhine Westphalia a few seasons ago, but the Grünwalder experience is otherworldly.

A TSV 1860 München scarf I purchased at the Grünwalder Stadion sporting their traditional colours. One could be forgiven for having tunnel vision.

To that, I would say do that at your own peril. The Friday prior to the bright lights of the Allianz Arena also served up a footballing delight in the vibrant southeastern suburb of Giesing.

The might of TSV 1860 Munich taking on Regionalliga Bavaria rivals TSV Buchbach. Four tier of German football you say?

A whopping 15,000 fans - of which maybe 1000 are Buchbach supporters - filter into the Grünwalder Stadion. The noise is already reaching fever pitch as we wind our way up the concrete steps of the South Stand.

Shortly after, the whistle blows to get the ball rolling. The football is nothing short of brilliant either.

That blend of gritty 50-50 duels with no shirking out, coupled with some technical excellence. 10 Tobias Heiland who neatly curled in the opening goal.

𝘋𝘪𝘦 𝘓ö𝘸𝘦𝘯 (The Lions) hit back in a flash. Ex-FC Augsburg star Florian Niederlechner and Felix Weber find the net.

Heiland again with a sweet half-volley on the edge of the box before Samed Bahar's drive finds the bottom corner. In need of a refreshment after a half that ended 3-2 to the guests, we make our way to the kiosk.