The second tier of German football saw a mixed bag of results this weekend, maintaining the suspense at the top of the league standings. SV Darmstadt 98 managed to retain their lead, albeit temporarily, following a 1-1 draw against Holstein Kiel.
Kiel demonstrated the greater attacking threat throughout the match, but struggled to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Darmstadt took the lead just after the restart, with Isac Lidberg netting his eighth goal of the season. The Swedish forward cut in from the left flank and fired a shot from the edge of the box into the right corner. Holstein Kiel responded in the 66th minute through David Zec, leveling the score. Sunday’s fixtures offer opportunities for Hannover and Elversberg to potentially overtake Darmstadt.
Elsewhere, 1. FC Kaiserslautern secured a 3-2 victory over VfL Bochum in a lively encounter on home turf. Despite periods of profligacy, Kaiserslautern ultimately proved decisive through goals from Ivan Prtajin (two goals) and Paul Joly. Bochum’s goals came from Gerrit Holtmann and Philipp Hofmann.
In Berlin, Hertha BSC celebrated their first home win of the season against Preußen Münster at the Olympiastadion. While a stunning goal from Fabian Reese was initially awarded before being disallowed due to a marginal offside call, Sebastian Grönning subsequently scored twice for the hosts. Etienne Amenyido scored a late consolation goal for Münster, but it proved too little, too late.
