Ahead of their away game at SSV Ulm, MSV Duisburg played a friendly against SpVg Schonnebeck. A “mixed squad” of U19 players and pros defeated the Oberliga team 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 training. Following the morning session, MSV Duisburg scheduled an additional development match against Oberliga side SpVg Schonnebeck in the evening, which the “Zebras” won 5–0.

Dietmar Hirsch’s team took the field with a mixed squad of U19 players and players who don’t see much action in regular Third Division play. Dennis Borkowski had the first big chance just four minutes in. 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 offside flag went up quickly (11th minute).

It took some time before the visitors mounted 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. After that, it was the striker who created MSV’s best chances, but he was first denied by a free kick (27th minute) and, shortly before halftime, 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 early in the second half. Just a few minutes in, Thilo Töpken drew a penalty after a challenge against Dacain Baraza, which Borkowski confidently converted (51′).

However, it took some time before MSV truly created compelling chances in front of the opponent’s goal. It wasn’t until the final quarter-hour that the third-division leader’s 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 palpable on the Schonnebeck side, and as a result, the Oberliga team could no longer keep up with the pace of Jan-Simon Symalla, who entered the game after an hour had passed. It was also the young star who ran one-on-one toward Julian Zelenkov twice and remained ice-cold (83rd, 89th). He was also involved in the penultimate play of the match. Kevin Kehrmann let his elbow get away in a duel with Symalla and was called for another penalty kick. Florian Krüger stepped up to the ball 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 game in Ulm. Schonnebeck returns to Oberliga action this weekend and can look forward to a derby against Adler Union Frintrop.