Pure ecstasy: After their 4-2 home win in the top match against SC Verl, MSV Duisburg celebrated exuberantly in front of the north stand. Dietmar Hirsch praised three players in particular.
The biggest party animal in the white and blue jersey on Sunday evening was Rasim Bulic, who first created a good atmosphere in the team circle and then climbed onto the podium to lead the singing. Party, pure emotion – and a sporting performance by MSV Duisburg that left a lasting impression.
MSV played very efficiently in the top match. “We suffered and are extremely happy. It was an incredible game against the strongest team in the league,” said MSV coach Dietmar Hirsch after the match.
Despite limited possession, the Zebras impressed with their determination and relentless finishing. For the third time this season, MSV scored four goals. “In the first six games of the season, which we all won, we were already effective – that was even more extreme,” said Hirsch. However, not everything went according to plan. After taking a 2-1 lead and making a few changes, MSV finally found its stability. “We actually wanted to play more defensively. But at home, the guys felt they had to press the opponent,” explained Hirsch. The Zebras remained compact until the end and were extremely dangerous on the counterattack. Lex-Tyger Lobinger stood out in particular. With two goals, the new signing became the match winner. “Tyger with two goals – unbelievable,” raved the coach. The early 4-1 score right after the break made things clear, even if the 4-2 score made the game more exciting again for a short time. But the hosts were convincing defensively until the end. Ben Schlicke, who made his first start, showed a “super stable and hard-working performance” according to Hirsch. Niklas Jessen, who stepped in for the injured Borkowski, also impressed. “The guys trained really well without much playing time – and then they deliver like this. But I really want to praise everyone.”
In the end, it was a perfect evening of soccer for MSV – just before the next match day and right before Carnival. “You only get a game like this once a season,” the coach aptly summed up.