Dhe SV Darmstadt 98 remains well involved in the fight for promotion and has regained the top of the table, at least for the time being. The “Lilies” beat Holstein Kiel 3-1 (2-0) in front of 13,400 spectators at the Böllenfalltor. Matthias Bader (10th minute), Aaron Seydel (45th) and Braydon Manu (50th) scored in an extremely entertaining game for the strong team of coach Torsten Lieberknecht.
In addition, goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen saved a self-inflicted penalty from Alexander Mühling (60th). In the meantime, Kwasi Wriedt had reduced the lead to 1:2 (49th). After just one point from two games, Darmstadt reported back impressively. Volunteers had cleared the pitch of snow in the morning so that the game could take place.
After Mathias Honask had missed a great opportunity for the lilies after just four minutes, Bader gave the hosts the lead with a cross from the half field that went past friend and foe alike. As a result, the Darmstadt team continued to set the tone and exploited massive opportunities. Marvin Mehlem hit the post after half an hour, Phillip Tietz the outer post (76th).
Draw in Hanover
Unlike Darmstadt, Hannover 96 must continue to fight against the threat of relegation. Against SSV Jahn Regensburg it was only enough for a 1:1 (1:1) despite being outnumbered for an hour on Saturday in front of 9200 spectators. After the fourth unsuccessful league game, Lower Saxony remain in 14th place with 32 points, four points ahead of Dynamo Dresden in 16th place. Regensburg is tenth with 37 points.
The visitors deservedly took the lead after 23 minutes with a header from Andreas Albers. Four minutes later, things turned around with a sending off: Regensburg midfielder Carlo Boukhalfa saw the red card after stepping in with a stretched leg. 96 used the advantage before the half-time whistle. Former Jahn professional Sebastian Stolze (39th) headed the equalizer to make it 1-1.
Despite being outnumbered, coach Christoph Dabrowski’s team was unable to get dangerously in front of the visitors’ goal for a long time after the break. Regensburg had the better chances with ten players: Jan-Niklas Beste failed in front of 96 goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler (69th). At the other end, substitute striker Cedric Teuchert missed two chances. Dominik Kaiser had the last chance, but goalkeeper from Jahn Regensburg Alexander Meyer parried the attempt from the Hanoverian professional brilliantly.
Hamburger SV loses again
It wasn’t enough for Hamburger SV for a draw. The North Germans lost 1:2 (0:1) to SC Paderborn in their home game on Saturday and are now in danger of losing sight of the promotion places. In front of 27,136 spectators in the Volksparkstadion, which was not even half full, the guests took the lead after just 47 seconds after a 40-metre long-range shot by Dennis Srbeny over the Hamburger SV goalkeeper Daniel Heuer-Fernandes, who was positioned too far in front of the goal. Srbeny also made it 2-0 (61st). Substitute Giorgi Tschakwetadze scored the first goal (90+3). Paderborn goalkeeper Jannik Huth saved a penalty kick from Hamburg striker Robert Glatzel (57th).
The winning streak of the Hamburgers has grown to five games. They only got two points out of a possible 15 in this phase. Paderborn, who after two games without a win, brought in a threesome again, moved up to two points behind HSV in the table and consolidated their midfield position.
The quick lead had shocked Hamburg. Although they were overwhelmingly superior and attacked the East Westphalia goal, they had no brilliant ideas in the penalty area. There were hardly any chances to score against Paderborn’s reinforced defensive line, which, with the lead in the back, concentrated entirely on counterattacks. The hosts missed the chance to turn the game around because Glatzel had taken the penalty too casually.
