HSV is dismantling Regensburg, while Fortuna is soaring high.
In what might be the standout second division season, Fortuna Düsseldorf takes the lead after five games by beating Hertha BSC. Hertha, meanwhile, is concerned over youngster Gechter. Sturdy HSV remains competitive, while Greuther Fürth underperforms against Elversberg.
Hertha BSC vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf 0:2 (0:1)
Fortuna Düsseldorf has again demonstrated its strong early form in the 2nd Bundesliga, earning the top spot. They clinched a hard-fought 2:0 (1:0) victory against Hertha BSC on Sunday, boosting their confidence ahead of the Rhine derby versus 1. FC Köln next weekend. Hertha has now slipped into the middle of the table following their second league loss.
Dawid Kownacki (13.) put Düsseldorf ahead with a free kick. Jona Niemiec (66.) sealed the win. Düsseldorf, playing before 50,135 fans, was solid defensively, thwarting Hertha's attacks. Opportunities like Derry Scherhant's (27.) were scarce. Linus Gechter's injury caused a stir, leading to an extended stoppage.
The 20-year-old collided with teammate Deyovaisio Zeefuik during an aerial challenge and appeared to have sustained a serious shoulder injury. Gechter was taken off the field in a stretcher. The physical rivalry escalated, with numerous fouls disrupting the flow of the game. After the break, Düsseldorf's league-leading defense remained unyielding, with Niemiec expanding the lead. Hertha's best chance to recover came when Ibrahim Maza struck the post (77.).
Hamburger SV vs. Jahn Regensburg 5:0 (2:0)
Hamburger SV has narrowed the gap between themselves and the league leaders with their second consecutive victory. Guided by the promising homegrown talent Fabio Balde, HSV triumphed 5:0 (2:0) against Jahn Regensburg on Sunday. Ransford Königsdörffer (1.) and Robert Glatzel (14.) found the net for HSV. Balde played a key role in both goals. Substitute Jean-Luc Dompe also impressed, scoring a brace (76./90.+3) and setting up Davie Selke's goal (89.).
HSV started off superbly, with 53,779 spectators at the Volksparkstadion witnessing HSV's quickest-ever second-division goal (1 minute) - Königsdörffer scoring following a brilliant Balde cross. Glatzel then completed the rout to make it 2-0.
HSV also had some luck, as an own goal by Dennis Hadzikadunic was disallowed after a VAR review due to Dominik Kother being millimeters offside (8th minute). A poor backpass from Silvan Hefti also put HSV on the brink, but Sebastian Schonlau was able to clear it (42nd minute).
SpVgg Greuther Fürth vs. SV Elversberg 0:0 (0:0)
SpVgg Greuther Fürth fell short of joining the top group. Producing a subpar performance, the team managed only a 0:0 draw against SV Elversberg in the 5th matchday, maintaining their unbeaten streak. Fürth's goalkeeper, Nahuel Noll, made a crucial save to keep his team in the game (53rd minute). Prior to the match, coach Alexander Zorniger expressed his desire for an engaged display, utilizing the team's current attacking strength.
Despite the coach's wishes, there was little excitement in the opening half. Offenses for both teams struggled to make inroads, leading to a largely uneventful match in front of 10,877 spectators. However, Fisnik Asllani had an opportunity in the 39th minute, missing the target despite a remarkable solo run. Asllani also botched a weakly taken penalty in the second half, with Noll again coming to Fürth's rescue.
The following is added: After the match, concerns about Linus Gechter's injury escalated, as scans revealed a serious shoulder injury that could keep him out for several weeks.
Furthermore, the following sentence can be added: Following their stalemate against Elversberg, Fürth's lackluster performance continued, raising questions about their ability to challenge for promotion.
