The start of the 23rd matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga went according to the taste of the top trio.

While league leaders Darmstadt 98, Hamburger SV and 1. FC Heidenheim are not in action until later in the weekend, their pursuers dropped points.

SC Paderborn lost against FC St. Pauli 1:2 (0:2) and remains only fourth, because 1. FC Kaiserslautern also made a mistake: The Palatinate team deservedly lost 0:2 (0:2) in the duel of the promoted teams at 1. FC Magdeburg and conceded the third away defeat in a row. As a result, third-placed Heidenheim could extend their lead to seven points at the weekend.

Moritz-Broni Kwarteng (41st) and Tatsuya Ito (65th) scored the goals for Magdeburg, who won their third game in the last four. Kaiserslautern, on the other hand, are a bit worried about their offensive: For the third time in a row, the Palatinate side remained without a goal away from home.

A brace from Lukas Daschner (15./42.) gave St. Pauli their sixth win in a row in front of 15,000 spectators. Karol Mets’ own goal (51st) did not put the away victory in danger.

The visitors are now four points behind Paderborn and three behind Kaiserslautern. On Saturday (8.30 p.m./Sky and Sport1), the top match will be between Darmstadt 98 and Heidenheim, HSV will play at the same time against 1. FC Nürnberg with new coach Dieter Hecking.