1. FC Köln managed to return to the top of the second division table with a lot of effort and achieved their first win in 2025. Coach Gerhard Struber’s team defeated outsiders SV Elversberg 1-0 (0-0) and is in first place until at least the evening game between Hertha BSC and Hamburger SV (8.30 p.m.). Dejan Ljubicic (81st minute) scored the decisive goal in front of 50,000 spectators in the European Championship stadium.
When Ljubicic scored, it looked like a zero number and the next goalless game for the promotion favorites from Cologne. Goals from Elversberg’s Fisnik Asllani (50th/offside) and Cologne’s Linton Maina (66th/previous foul) were disallowed after checking the video images. When midfielder Ljubicic shot, everything was in accordance with the rules.
After a yellow-red card against full-back Elias Baum in stoppage time, the guests ended the game with ten men. After a false start in 2025, Elversberg is in danger of losing touch with the upper ranks. A week ago, the Saarland team lost a 2-0 lead against 1. FC Magdeburg and lost 5-2. Overall, it was Elversberg’s third league defeat in a row.
Schalke 04 – 1. FC Nuremberg 3:1 (3:1)
Schalke demonstrated home strength in their first game of the year in front of their own crowd with a wild opening phase. Coach Kees van Wonderen’s team won against Nuremberg 3:1 (3:1). In front of 62,278 spectators, Kenan Karamann (7th minute) and Moussa Sylla (15th/45th) scored the goals for the Royal Blues. Stefanos Tzimas (17th) scored for the Franconians.
With the win, Schalke not only improved their meager home record of eight points, but also underlined their rising form with five unbeaten games in a row. However, the Gelsenkirchen team remains in 13th place in the table. Nuremberg is still waiting for its first away win over Schalke in over 30 years. There is still a lot possible for both teams in the league, both up and down.
-Karlsruher SC – Fortuna Düsseldorf 2:3 (2:0)
Karlsruher SC missed the connection to the top places. After a 2-0 half-time lead, there was a 2-3 defeat against Düsseldorf in front of 30,374 spectators. Mikkel Kaufmann (8th minute) and Robin Heußer (22nd) scored the KSC goals. Dzenan Pejcinovic (47th) and Dawid Kownacki scored twice (81st/foul penalty, 90th+3) for Düsseldorf. The Fortuna thus continues to have visual contact with the ascent zone.
Both teams started the game offensively. Kaufmann, who surprisingly returned to the starting line-up after an ankle injury, gave the hosts an early lead. At first the Dane only hit the right post, but the KSC attacker then brought the follow-up shot over the line. The home team was lucky to make it 2-0. Heusser’s deflected shot went into the goal unstoppable for Fortuna goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier. The Düsseldorf team then increased the pressure, but initially did not take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves. Isak Johannesson only hit the post (45th + 2).
Substitute Pejcinovic did better shortly after the break. The 19-year-old hit the far corner after Myron van Brederode’s preparation. The guests stayed in control and rewarded themselves. After being brought down in the penalty area, Kownacki converted the penalty to equalize. In stoppage time, Kownacki crowned his performance with the winning goal with a header from a corner.
