Table leaders SV Darmstadt 98 just avoided a stumble in the promotion race in the 2nd Bundesliga. The narrow success in an emotional game against Eintracht Braunschweig turned into a hard piece of work for the “lilies” – and the VAR.
Thanks to a late comeback, Darmstadt turned the game against Braunschweig to a 2:1 (0:0) in a wild final phase and also remained undefeated in the 19th league game in a row.
Five days after the round of 16 in the DFB Cup at Eintracht Frankfurt, Mathias Honsak (82nd minute) and Phillip Tietz (90+1.) redeemed the “lilies” after Manuel Wintzheimer (52nd, penalty after video evidence) to Braunschweig’s lead had met. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht’s Hessians remain in the lead with a four-point lead over Hamburger SV. Nathan de Medina saw yellow-red late with the guests (90+8).
Braunschweig leadership by hand penalties
Darmstadt determined what happened, but rarely came to a dangerous conclusion. Shortly before the break, Mathias Honsak put the ball on the crossbar (44′), Marvin Mehlem’s goal in the follow-up didn’t count because of a foul on the striker. Referee Robert Kampka was the focus of the Braunschweig tour. After looking at the video images, the referee correctly decided on a hand penalty. Christoph Zimmermann got the ball on his outstretched arm – Wintzheimer converted safely.
Twice video proof in the final phase
In the closing stages, Honsak was there with a header. Kampka took back a penalty kick for Braunschweig after video evidence (87th). Then Tietz scored to win the hosts. Due to a possible offside position, the goal also only counted after an extensive examination by the VAR.
Darmstadt in Rostock, Brunswick against Kiel
Eintracht Braunschweig welcomes Holstein Kiel on Matchday 21 (Friday, February 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.). Darmstadt is challenged a day later in Rostock (8.30 p.m.).