In the basement duel: Curious goal saves KSC against Hansa Rostock

For a long time, FC Hansa Rostock looked like the sure winner, but in the end they only got one point. Because an extraordinary goal from Budu Zizivadze enabled Karlsruher SC to secure a 2-2 (1-2) draw in the 2nd Bundesliga on Sunday (December 3rd, 2023).

While KSC and Rostock were dueling, a third club was probably watching particularly closely. With its win against VfL Osnabrück (4-0), FC Schalke 04 increased its points account to 16 and thus drew level with the two clubs. And now the question arose as to who would remain on Schalke’s (low) level – and could potentially be the first victim of the Bundesliga relegated team in the fight to stay in the league.

Ice cold Rostockers in Karlsruhe

And it quickly looked like Karlsruhe was getting a little deeper into relegation trouble. After an uneventful opening phase, the guests countered strongly and Junior Brumado scored the opening goal for Hansa in the second attempt (his first shot was cleared off the line) (16th minute). A week ago against FC St. Pauli (2:3), the Brazilian had already scored twice from the penalty spot, and now it also worked out of the game.

And Brumado was able to celebrate again in the first half – but this time about a goal from a colleague. First, KSC keeper Patrick Drewes was able to make an outstanding save after a shot from Kai Pröger (26th), but when Damian Roßbach appeared free in front of him ten minutes later, he was powerless – Rostock were 2-0 ahead and well on their way to victory such an important victory.

Matanovic makes the connection for KSC

But he was then in danger because Karlsruhe also came into play more. First, Jerome Gondorf failed after a corner from goalkeeper Markus Kolke (38th), but he had the second chance. Lars Stindl fed Igor Matanovic, who gave KSC the goal and hope with a deflected shot (44th).

After the half-time break, the Hansa counterattacks again caused problems for the Karlsruhe team. Marvin Wanitzek initially missed a good chance to equalize (52′), but then Pröger twice made it 3-1. On his first attempt, the Rostock offensive player hit the side netting (53′), then Drewes again prevented Pröger’s second goal of the season (57′).

On the one hand, Hüsing saves, on the other the video evidence and Drewes

But Matanovic missed the biggest opportunity. The KSC striker was the last man to take the ball from Roßbach and stormed towards Kolke alone – after Matanovic went past the goalkeeper, Oliver Hüsing saved his shot on the line (62nd).

And that seemed to pay off immediately because it made its counterpart on the other side better again. After a low cross, Brumado finished from around 14 meters and made Drewes look pretty unfortunate with a low shot (63′). Because the assist provider Svante Ingelsson had previously committed a foul, the goal was not awarded according to the video images. And the KSC needed luck again: Roßbach failed to score from seven meters past Drewes (72′).

Karlsruhe’s Zizivadze runs the ball into the goal

But the greatest luck still came for Karlsruhe. Somehow the Baden team forced the equalizer – but how was extremely strange. After a cross, Wanitzek headed the ball into the center, right to Roßbach, who couldn’t control the ball – and substitute Budu Zizivadze simply ran into him and somehow hit the ball with his foot, which tumbled into the goal (81′).

But Karlsruhe wanted even more. Zizivadze failed a little later due to Kolke (85th), but was once again extremely valuable for his team as a joker. Last week, the Georgian had already scored twice after coming on as a substitute against 1. FC Nürnberg (4-1) and was working on a brace again.

In this case he didn’t succeed, but with his goal Zizivadze saved a point for KSC. And that probably put Schalke in a good mood. Because neither Karlsruhe nor Rostock were able to pull away again and are within striking distance with just one point – and thus right in the middle of the fight against relegation.

KSC in Hanover, Rostock welcomes Schalke

Karlsruher SC is in demand at the start of the 16th matchday in Hanover (Friday, December 8th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.). Hansa Rostock hosted Gelsenkirchen two days later (1:30 p.m.).