2nd league
Düsseldorf (dpa) – Many goals, spectacular dramaturgy – the promotion race in the 2nd Bundesliga is more exciting than it has been for a long time. Just one day after the furious 3:2 (0:1) of the new league leaders SV Darmstadt 98 against 1. FC Heidenheim, FC St. Pauli drew level on points.
In the 3-1 (3-0) win over Karlsruher SC on Saturday, the Kiezkicker played well, especially in the first half, and underpinned their reputation as co-favourites. On the other hand, FC Schalke 04 fell behind after beating FC Hansa Rostock 3-4 (2-2) in the race to return to the Bundesliga.
In the evening game, 1. FC Nürnberg happily defeated Hamburger SV 2-1 (1-1), passed HSV (41) with 42 points and, after a small winning streak, is back in the fight for promotion. Full-back Tim Handwerker scored the acclaimed winning goal in the 88th minute. In front of 25,000 spectators in the sold-out Max Morlock Stadium, Pascal Köpke scored for Franconia (15th) and Ludovit Reis (25th) for HSV.
Darmstadt turned game
Darmstadt are still in the running for the promotion places, who only stormed to the top for at least one day because of the better goal difference. In a gripping game against Heidenheim, coach Torsten Lieberknecht’s team averted an impending defeat at home thanks to a remarkable comeback. Within seven minutes, a 0-2 deficit became a 3-2 win. Aaron Seydel (77th), Phillip Tietz (81st) and Tim Skarke (83rd) ensured the celebrated success. “We showed incredible morale. The squad is always ready,” enthused Lieberknecht.
On the other hand, Schalke’s new era began with little success without its long-standing main sponsor Gazprom. In front of 28,790 spectators, the Rostock goalscorers Svante Ingelsson (25th), John Verhoek (40th), Pascal Breier (56th) and Nils Fröling (90th + 5) caused disillusionment. Despite Simon Terodde’s three goals (33rd/43rd/83rd), the Bundesliga relegated team is already six points behind in second place.
Lots of goals
The game in Kiel was similar to the thriller in Gelsenkirchen, where SC Paderborn scored 4:3 (1:1) for the first time after four games without a win. Despite the clear 4:1 lead, East Westphalia faltered again after Benedikt Pichler from Kiel scored the goal in the 88th minute. “Every win is good. We’re happy to have picked up three points again,” said SCP trainer Lukas Kwasniok, visibly relieved.
With a win on Sunday (1.30 p.m. / Sky) at home against Dynamo Dresden, the previous leaders Werder Bremen can replace the Darmstadt team at the top. In the third game on Saturday, Sandhausen won 3-1 (2-1) against Hannover.