With a lot of offensive power, SC Paderborn has kept up with the promotion places in the 2nd Bundesliga. Three days after being eliminated in the round of 16 of the cup, the East Westphalians are back on track. The Paderborn team, who had previously lost in three competitive games in front of their own audience, won the duel with Fortuna Düsseldorf 4-1 (1-0) on Friday evening and were initially able to conquer fourth place in the table. "That was a great game from us. There's still a few points difference, but we're trying to stay close," said goalscorer Marvin Pieringer. Coach Lukas Kwasniok was also enthusiastic about his team's performance. "It was a top performance and absolutely deserved at this level. That makes me proud," said the coach.
In front of 12,179 spectators in the Paderborn Home Deluxe Arena, Pieringer (37th), Jannis Heuer (62nd), Floren Muslija (68th / penalty kick) and Robert Leipertz (81st) scored the goals for the best offensive team in the league. Düsseldorf, who are playing next Wednesday in the cup round of 16 at 1. FC Nürnberg, equalized in the meantime with a penalty kick converted by Rouwen Hennings (59th). "After the equaliser, we didn't manage to bring nervousness into the Paderborn game. In the end they played themselves intoxicated," said Hennings.
The hosts, for whom Pieringer returned to the team after being suspended for striker Leipertz, who came on later, started the game powerfully with good offensive scenes. Guest keeper Florian Kastenmeier was able to distinguish himself a few times, but had to admit defeat for the first time in the 1-0 by Pieringer from close range.
The team from Düsseldorf, who only gradually found their way into the game, lacked Dawid Kownacki, the team's top scorer, due to a yellow card suspension. Japan international Ao Tanaka missed the greatest opportunity (30th). Hennings then scored his fifth goal in five consecutive games against Paderborn before the hosts clinched victory in a fine second division encounter in the closing stages through Heuer, Muslija and Leipertz's ninth goal of the season.
Fate SC Paderborn Fate Fortuna Dusseldorf
