End in jubilation: Dynamo shoot their way to staying in the league

A storm of jubilation erupted in Dresden after the final 90 minutes of the season. Not just because of the Dynamos' 2:1 (2:0) victory over Holstein Kiel. Above all because the promoted team, which had been in last place before the winter break, had secured their place in the league. A furious second half of the season catapulted coach Thomas Stamm's team up to 11th place. The players danced in the center circle and saluted Stefan Kutschke one last time as he ended his career in style.

The match winner on the final matchday was Vincent Vermeij. Twice (15th, 37th), the Dutchman was where a center forward should be and allayed his team-mates' fears of perhaps slipping down to the relegation places after all.

Dynamo wide awake right from the start

In contrast to the last time out, Dynamo did not start in a wait-and-see mode but put their fearsome opponents Kiel under pressure with brash attacks. Niklas Hauptmann (7') won the ball and created the first big chance. Vermeij was alone in the penalty area with his back to goal, but instead of trying to finish himself, he tried to bring Robert Wagner into play, but he was blocked.

After 15 minutes, he did better. The first Dynamo corner from Alexander Rossipal somehow landed at the feet of the Dutchman in the five-metre area, who slotted in at lightning speed.

Dynamo relinquish control of the game

Kiel only got into the game after a good 20 minutes, but were then very dominant. They trapped the Saxons in front of their own goal for several minutes. Dresden repeatedly tried to break free playfully, but often gave the ball away, meaning there was hardly any relief. However, Kiel did not create any real chances either.

Instead, Dynamo struck again. To everyone's surprise, Vermeij again flew into an unfortunate shot from Kofi Amoako and slotted the ball home to make it 2-0. It was his eleventh goal of the season. And Dynamo took advantage of their psychological superiority. Tim Schreiber saved a dubious penalty from Alexander Bernhardsson in first-half stoppage time.

Not much more going on after the break

Half-time two is quickly told. The action took place between the penalty areas and chances were few and far between. The fact that Holstein still managed to connect was due to a poorly defended corner. Former Dresden player Phil Harres dinked the ball into the corner.

Ten players were bid farewell

Ten players were bid farewell by Dynamo after the match. Stefan Kutschke, who is ending his career, received an impressive choreography from the fans before the game. Claudio Kammerknecht and Jan-Hendrik Marx did not receive a new contract. All loan players - Thomas Keller, Jonas Sterner, Julian Pauly, Robert Wagner, Konrad Faber, Ben Bobzien and Jason Ceka - must also return to their home clubs. However, sporting director Sören Gonther announced that they would try to bring one or two of them back to Dresden.