Double Zukowski puts Magdeburg on course for victory

1. FC Magdeburg picked up a hugely important three points at Preußen Münster. Mateusz Zukowski (45.+2, penalty, 72) and Raymond Tachie (90.+5) scored for Magdeburg in a 3-1 (1-0) win in front of 10,642 spectators at the Preußenstadion. Etienne Amenyido's (80') goal for Münster was not enough to turn the game around. Magdeburg climbed past Münster to 17th place and are now just one point behind the non-relegation places.

"I don't think we need to lie to ourselves, that was already a six-point game. I've also spoken to the team that it will be extremely important for us to show mentality," said Baris Atik - and assured them with a view to the relegation battle: "The team is ready. I can count on the boys and know that we will get through this." Coach Petrik Sander was relieved: "It's nice to get a real sense of achievement in the form of three points again. It's all so nerve-wracking that you could really do with a break."

Sander replaced the suspended Dariusz Stalmach in midfield with Silas Gnaka and Alexander Nollenberger (groin problem) on the wing with Lubambo Musonda. FCM relied on early pressing and winning the ball high up the pitch, but were unable to capitalize on this. The hosts did not look rattled after the 6-0 loss the previous week and were stable and alert in the final line.

Dramatic minutes before the break

The Prussians often managed to hinder Magdeburg's build-up play so much that the visitors looked to move backwards - part of the risk avoidance Sander had prescribed. It became dramatic shortly before the break: Jorrit Hendrix's shot from a corner was deflected into the goal by Zukowski (41') - but after a VAR check, referee Robert Schröder ruled the goal offside. Shortly afterwards, FCM were awarded a penalty. Musonda had been fouled and Zukowski converted with ease.

After the break, FCM had less possession and less time to build anything constructive. Münster gained an ever-increasing advantage, while there was little to see from FCM. Both coaches made three changes - and Magdeburg's Zukowski (72') scored again, following an assist from substitute Connor Krempicki. This was not the deciding factor, as Münster rewarded their efforts with Amenyido (80'). In the end, the effort was in vain: Tachie scored into an empty net.