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 underlined 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 style of an effective top team, St. Pauli mastered the task against Karlsruhe. After goals from Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (14th/25th) and Simon Makienok (34th), everything was already clear at half-time. The Hamburgers could get over the fact that Philipp Hofmann (66th) scored the consolation goal after the break.
Darmstadt turned game
The Darmstadt team, tied on points, are still in the running for the promotion places, having 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 started the new era 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.