FC St. Pauli also demonstrated strength in the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga and consolidated their lead in the table.
The Hamburg team won 2-1 (2-0) against their pursuers Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday evening, Marcel Hartel was once again the most important man with a brace.
The offensive player converted a hand penalty in the first half (16th) and scored with a header just ten minutes later (26th). Christos Tzolis (83rd) shortened for Düsseldorf.
St. Pauli, on Saturday without head coach Fabian Hürzeler who was suspended, has now collected 39 points and will also end the 19th matchday as leaders: Holstein Kiel (35), Hamburger SV (34) and SpVgg Greuther Fürth (32) can on Sunday at best shortened, Fürth and Kiel also take away the points in the direct meeting (1:30 p.m./Sky). Düsseldorf (31) missed out on the promotion zone due to the defeat.
Next duel in the DFB Cup
For Fortuna and St. Pauli it was the first of two duels within just four days. Both clubs will meet again on Tuesday in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup, then with exchanged home advantage.
In Düsseldorf, 52,000 fans saw a fairly balanced initial phase, it was the second free game of the “Fortuna for all” campaign.
Then, however, Vincent Vermeij fended off a free kick with his elbow – Hartel converted the penalty. A little later, the Cologne native followed up in Düsseldorf, heading a cross from the half field.
In 19 games this season, Hartel was involved in 20 goals, making him the top scorer in the 2nd league.