Fortuna Düsseldorf, with the successful return of David Kounacki, have returned to the top of the Bundesliga, continuing their successful run in the second division. Daniel Thioune’s side extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a 2-0 (1-0) win over Hertha BSC. “I wanted to pick up where we left off in Hannover,” Thioune said. “It’s good that stability means we’re in the top half.”
Kownacki, who returned to the Rhine from Werder Bremen, was the game-winner. The Pole scored his first goal after returning in the 13th minute of the second half, setting up Jonah Niemietz’s second. Dusseldorf are top of the table with 13 points, ahead of Karlsruher who have the same number of points. “We defended really well. The team attitude was 100% top,” said Thioune.
The match was canceled due to a possible serious injury for Berlin Junior National Team member Linus Gechter, who is believed to have suffered a shoulder or collarbone injury after a collision with a teammate.
Fastest HSV goal in 2nd division
Hamburger SV continue their upward trend with a fourth win in the sixth game of the season. Ransford Königsdörffer scored the fastest goal in HSV’s second division history after 43 seconds to secure a 5-0 (2-0) victory over Jahn Regensburg. Robert Glatzel (14th), Jean-Luc Dompé (76/90+3) and Davie Selke (89th) made it three consecutive victories for the guests.
Karlsruher SC, who are still undefeated, have secured top spot in the group with their excellent scoring ability. Georgia international Budu Zivziwadze scored both goals in the 2-0 win over FC Schalke, taking his season tally to six.
The bylaws place KSC as a candidate for promotion. “Success comes because we deserve it. Because we play like a team. Because we all fight for each other,” the Georgian explained the Karlsruher family’s meteoric rise.
Discussion on Schalke coach Geraec
The two traditional Western clubs have completely different interests. Schalke suffered their third defeat in five games and brought the discussion about the coach home. Sporting director Marc Wilmots supports his compatriot, but there are differences of opinion between coach Karel Geraerts and team planner Ben Manga. Schalke cannot afford another defeat against Darmstadt 98 on Friday.
1. FC Köln also suffered a setback after losing 1:2 to 1. FC Magdeburg despite their overwhelming lead. “We can discuss and analyse. In the end, we need to score more than one goal, actually two or three,” said captain Timo Hübers after the Bundesliga team suffered their second defeat of the season.
Robert Glatzel had a crushing win with Hamburger SV. Photo: Gregor Fischer/dpa
