The MSV Duisburg breathed a sigh of relief. After the competition did not stop, MSV was able to stay in touch and won 2:1 (2:0) against Borussia Dortmund’s U23s.

The starting position ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund II was unchanged. Points were needed – now more than ever, as the competition was also able to collect unexpected points. Waldhof Mannheim took SSV Jahn Regensburg by surprise (3:1) and Hallescher FC also won against Dynamo Dresden (1:0). MSV Duisburg were under a lot of pressure in the 3rd division.

The whole of Duisburg was eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the 28th matchday against BVB U23, where Boris Schommers had to make two changes from the game at Preußen Münster. Engin and Senger came into the starting eleven for Feltscher (calf problem) and Bitter, who was suspended for red.

With the fans behind them, the home side’s momentum was palpable. Alexander Esswein put the Zebras ahead after a lot of confusion (12′). Thomas Pledl increased the lead to 2:0 just a few minutes later (17′) and created an even better atmosphere in the arena.

“You could feel the incredible energy between the fans and the team even before kick-off. The way they supported us during the warm-up and in the match itself was outstanding,” emphasized Schommers.

He added: “We were very present and wanted to show straight away that we wanted to look for our chances. Then we scored the two goals, which was of course extremely important. What was almost more important was that we hardly let such an offensively strong opponent get a chance in the first half. “

The second half was much more balanced. The Meiderich side had to play more defensively. Antonios Papadopoulos headed in to make it 2:1 for the visitors. The nail-biting game began for MSV.

In the end, the Zebras were able to save the 2:1 over time. Schommers was overjoyed with the second home win in a row and, above all, relieved: “The way we defended collectively was outstanding. It was clear that Dortmund would come back in the second half, but I have to praise my team for the tactical and structured way they continued to defend. We then had that little bit of luck, which we deserved.”

Schommers did not blame his backline for conceding the goal: “It has to be said that we didn’t do anything wrong, but Papadopoulos was simply outstanding. “

BVB U23 coach Jan Zimmermann was naturally disappointed after the final whistle. He was particularly concerned with his own performance: “I’m not happy with my team’s performance. I completely missed the determination that MSV showed in the first half. As a result, it was probably not an undeserved victory for Duisburg.”

Zimmermann “is keeping both fingers crossed that MSV will pick up enough points in the remaining games and that it might still be enough in the end. “