Fortuna Düsseldorf enabled SV Darmstadt 98 to make a comeback due to their own negligence and missed out on a possible victory in the promotion race of the 2nd Bundesliga at the start of the second half of the season.
Despite a 2-0 lead, Fortuna had to settle for a 2-2 draw on matchday 18, thereby missing a good chance to move up in the tight 2nd Bundesliga table.
Düsseldorf with just one win from nine games
For the majority of the 52,000 spectators who came with free admission as part of the “Fortuna for All” series, the game ended in disappointment; Fortuna was only able to win one of its last nine games.
With 27 points, Düsseldorf remains in lurking position before Saturday’s games, four points behind leaders Cologne, while Darmstadt now has 25 points.
“Once again we failed to bring home a game after taking the lead, even at home“, said Düsseldorf coach Daniel Thioune at the Sportschau microphone. He was particularly annoyed by his team’s mistakes: “The goals conceded were easy and avoidable“.
Luise Kropff, Sportschau, January 17, 2025 9:13 p.m
For Florian Kohfeldt there was even more possible. “We invited Fortuna, and I didn’t like the 15 minutes after halftime either“said Darmstadt’s coach at the sports show microphone.”The way we came back after being 2-0 down was outstanding. That speaks for our morals.“
Corredor double within three minutes
Myron van Brederode gave Fortuna the lead in the 41st minute with a well-considered shot. Giovanni Haag (61′) followed up with a shot from the edge of the penalty area after the break.
A clumsy entry from Nicolas Gavory in the penalty area brought Darmstadt back into the game. Killian Corredor converted the justified penalty (69th) and equalized three minutes later with a header from a corner (72nd).
Düsseldorf has to go to Karlsruhe, Darmstadt against Paderborn
Düsseldorf goes to Karlsruhe for the 19th matchday next Saturday (1:00 p.m.). Darmstadt welcomes SC Paderborn on Sunday (1:30 p.m.).