You can still win: Fortuna Düsseldorf has returned to the promotion battle of the 2nd Bundesliga with its first victory in 2024. Meanwhile, Hansa Rostock’s fear of relegation is increasing after the 0:2 (0:2) on Sunday (February 25, 2024).
The city went so well for the guests – but in the end there was no luck. Juan José Perea gave Hansa the supposed lead after just 48 seconds, but the striker was just offside. It was the only highlight in a slow start, after which Fortuna had the two decisive moments.
Düsseldorf double strike for victory
Within two minutes, the Düsseldorf team decided the game in their own favor. First, Felix Klaus poked the ball into the corner after a header from Christoph Daferner to make it 1-0 (16th minute), a little later Ao Tanaka scored the second goal for coach Daniel Thioune’s team with a shot from 20 meters (18th). . Shortly afterwards, Christos Tzolis almost increased the score to 3-0 (20th).
What sounds like a clear thing, but it wasn’t. Rostock repeatedly came dangerously in front of the Düsseldorf goal, but carelessly missed their own chances. Brumado shot at Fortuna goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier from five meters (33′), Svante Ingelsson hit the post shortly before half-time (42′).
Rostock too harmless, Fortuna shortens the deficit before top games
And in the second half too, Fortuna was far from putting in a confident performance. But in contrast to the previous five league games this year, it was still successful because relegation candidate Rostock (remains second to last with 22 points) acted too harmlessly. And so Düsseldorf returned to the promotion battle after the defeats of Hannover 96 and Holstein Kiel and reduced the gap to second place to six points.
The following away game in Hanover and the subsequent home game against Hamburger SV will show whether the Thioune team can really intervene in the race for a return to the Bundesliga.