Thanks to three-pointer Christos Tzolis, Fortuna Düsseldorf go into the promotion relegation play-off with a sense of achievement.

With a 3-2 (2-1) win against 1. FC Magdeburg in the league final, which is of no sporting significance, second division third-placed Fortuna Düsseldorf successfully rehearsed for the showdown against VfL Bochum on Thursday and May 27 (both 8.30 pm/Sky and Sat.1).

Striker Tzolis (6th/20th/88th) was once again the guarantor of victory and, with 22 goals, drew level with Haris Tabakovic (Hertha BSC) and Robert Glatzel (Hamburger SV) as the league’s top scorers. Düsseldorf, unbeaten in 14 league games, equaled their record from the 2017/2018 second division championship with 63 points. Bryan Teixeira (31) and Connor Krempicki (47) had equalized in the meantime.

Düsseldorf coach Daniel Thioune had rotated the team extensively. Tzolis got off to a perfect start with his 20th and 21st goals of the season. However, the hosts then proved vulnerable defensively and Magdeburg took full advantage. However, Tzolis scored from close range after a corner.

Fortuna are now fully focused on the relegation play-off. “With Bochum, we’re up against an opponent that comes through team unity, but also has a high level of individual quality,” said Fortuna’s sporting director Christian Weber: “Two very intense games await us. “