Hannover 96 capitalized on Fortuna Düsseldorf’s recent slip, claiming the top spot in the 2. Bundesliga after defeating Karlsruher SC 2-1, marking their sixth consecutive victory. In contrast, Greuther Fürth suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat against Darmstadt 98, exacerbating their poor form. Meanwhile, Jahn Regensburg secured a vital 1-0 win over SV Elversberg in their first match following a coaching change, closing the gap to safety in the league standings.
In perhaps the most thrilling 2. Bundesliga season ever, Hannover 96 capitalizes on Fortuna Düsseldorf’s misstep in Münster. Ngankam delivers an outstanding goal, and Hannover overturns the match against KSC. The struggling Fürth suffers yet another heavy home defeat, while further south, Jahn secures a victory.
Hannover 96 – Karlsruher SC 2:1 (0:1)
With their sixth match and sixth victory, Hannover 96 has claimed the top spot in the 2. Bundesliga thanks to their impressive home record. Coach Stefan Leitl’s team defeated Karlsruher SC 2:1 (0:1) in a key matchup, overtaking Fortuna Düsseldorf at the head of the table. However, SC Paderborn might leapfrog Hannover with a significant win against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday.
KSC initially took the lead with a goal from Marcel Franke (45′). But Hannover’s Jessic Ngankam (66′) and Marcel Halstenberg (89′, penalty awarded after video review) turned the match around. This marked the first away loss of the season for the cup quarterfinalist Karlsruhe. From the start, it was a fast-paced affair; Fabian Kunze (11′) missed an early chance with a header for the hosts, while Marvin Wanitzek (21′) failed to score against Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.
Afterward, Hannover was the more aggressive team, generating another great opportunity. Havard Nielsen (24′) was thwarted at close range by KSC keeper Max Weiß. Just before halftime, the visitors applied some pressure and were rewarded when the former Hannover player Franke headed in a corner from Wanitzek.
In the second half, the Niedersachsen pressed for an equalizer. Former national player Halstenberg (56′) hit the crossbar with a free kick. Then, substitute Ngankam launched a splendid solo effort, scoring from a sharp angle. Halstenberg kept his cool just before the end to convert the penalty.
SpVgg Greuther Fürth – SV Darmstadt 98 1:5 (0:3)
SpVgg Greuther Fürth finds itself back in a slump, suffering a disheartening 1:5 (0:3) defeat against Darmstadt 98 with the interim coach Leo Haas at the helm. Following a crucial 4:3 win over Schalke 04 the previous week, any hopes for recovery have been dashed. Earlier this week, they were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by Jahn Regensburg (0:1). Fürth has managed to win only one of their last eight competitive matches. Goals from Philipp Förster (30′), Fynn-Luca Lakenmacher (40′), Isac Lidberg (45’+3), Killian Corredor (51′), and Sergio Lopez (77′) sealed another heavy defeat for Fürth, while Branimir Hrgota (90′) netted a consolation goal.
Following the disastrous 0:4 loss in the Frankenderby against 1. FC Nürnberg, which resulted in the departure of coach Alexander Zorniger and manager Rachid Azzouzi at the end of October, Haas now takes charge until at least the winter break. Darmstadt, on the other hand, is enjoying a positive trajectory, remaining unbeaten in their last five competitive games. Fürth and Darmstadt now sit level in mid-table, both with 13 points.
Despite a vibrant start from both teams, Darmstadt proved more clinical, capitalizing on defensive errors from Fürth. Förster seized on a mistake to notch the opening goal when Sacha Banse flicked the ball onto Marco Meyerhöfer. Before the halftime whistle, Lakenmacher finished a swift Darmstadt counterattack with aplomb, and in stoppage time, Förster found a free Lidberg to score a coldly converted goal.
Even after the break, Darmstadt continued to press, exploiting Fürth’s slackness without mercy. Corredor, unmarked, danced past Meyerhöfer to score from around 20 meters. Fürth’s responses were minimal. In the dying moments, Lopez extended the deficit with a lob. Hrgota’s late goal for Fürth came too late to change the outcome.
Jahn Regensburg – SV Elversberg 1:0 (1:0)
Jahn Regensburg celebrated their second league win of the season in their first match after the sacking of coach Joe Enochs, narrowing the gap to safety in the standings. Under interim coach Andreas Patz, they defeated SV