SV Darmstadt 98 has defended its lead in the 2nd Bundesliga. The “Lilien” benefited from an own goal by the hosts 1. FC Nürnberg on Friday evening (03/31/2023).
The decisive goal was scored by Nuremberg’s captain Christopher Schindler, who unluckily scored his own goal after a cross (31st minute).
Due to the narrow away win, the Darmstadt team defended their lead in the 2nd Bundesliga – regardless of the outcome of other games. Nuremberg, on the other hand, still does not have a comfortable point advantage over the relegation zone.
Nuremberg better, but Darmstadt scores
Nuremberg got off to a better start in the game. After Kwadwo Duah escaped down the right flank and put the ball in the middle, Lino Tempelmann fired just wide of the post (15′). The “lilies” did not find their way into the game at first.
The opening goal for the guests came out of the blue: After a cross from Matthias Bader, Schindler steered the ball past his unemployed goalkeeper Peter Vindahl into his own goal. The lead then gave Darmstadt wings, the table leader improved compared to the early minutes.
Nuremberg tried, but without penetrating power
Nevertheless, in the game forward, even in round two, little came from the leader. Darmstadt relied on their good defense, which Nuremberg found hard to break. Darmstadt goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen was able to parry a deflected long-range shot by Johannes Geis (57′).
Substitute Braydon Manu started the final phase with his good chance after a lob from Fabian Holland, but headed the ball wide of the goal (71′). Nuremberg continued to try a lot – but hardly anything succeeded, especially in the offensive third of the field. The Darmstadt defended the narrow lead and celebrated a lucky victory.
Nuremberg initially in action in the DFB Cup
Before the league continues, 1. FC Nürnberg will play VfB Stuttgart at home in the DFB Cup (Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at 6 p.m.).
FCN welcomes KSC on matchday 27 (Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at 1 p.m.). Darmstadt meets SC Paderborn a day later (1.30 p.m.).