Ahead of their away match at SSV Ulm, MSV Duisburg played a friendly against SpVg Schonnebeck. A “mixed squad” of U19 players and professionals defeated the Oberliga side 5-0.

Following the 2-0 home win over SSV Jahn Regensburg, some of the pros had a double training session on Tuesday (January 27) to kick off the week. Following the morning session, MSV Duisburg scheduled an additional friendly match against Oberliga side SpVg Schonnebeck in the evening, which the “Zebras” won 5-0.

Dietmar Hirsch’s squad took the field with a mixed lineup of U19 players and those who see less action in regular third-division play. Dennis Borkowski had the first big chance as early as the fourth minute. After dribbling into the penalty area, the winger hit only the left post. Shortly afterward, Tim Heike scored what appeared to be the 1-0 goal, but the flag went up quickly—offside (11th minute).

It took some time before the visitors launched their first offensive attack. In the 21st minute, Noah Kloth flicked a corner kick dangerously toward the far post, where Heike was ultimately able to clear it. Subsequently, it was the striker who had the best chances for MSV, but he first missed from a free kick (27th minute) and, shortly before halftime, was denied by Lukas Lingk, who managed to poke the ball away from his foot.

The Zebras dominated possession but struggled to generate pace and purpose in their attacks. This began to change in the second half. After just a few minutes, Thilo Töpken won a penalty in a duel with Dacain Baraza, which Borkowski confidently converted (51′).

However, it took some time before MSV truly threatened the opponent’s goal again. It wasn’t until the final quarter of an hour that the third-division leaders’ offense really kicked into gear. Andy Visser scored a spectacular goal from just under 15 meters, kicking off the ensuing flurry of goals.

Exhaustion was evident on the Schonnebeck side, and consequently, the Oberliga side could no longer keep up with the pace of Jan-Simon Symalla, who entered the match just past the hour mark. It was also the young star who twice ran one-on-one toward Julian Zelenkov and remained ice-cold (83rd, 89th). He was also involved in the penultimate play of the match. Kevin Kehrmann left his elbow out in a duel with Symalla and was called for another penalty. Florian Krüger stepped up and converted just as confidently as Borkowski had done earlier.

The match thus ended 5-0 in favor of Duisburg, who have already warmed up for their upcoming match in Ulm. Schonnebeck returns to Oberliga action this weekend and can look forward to a derby against Adler Union Frintrop.