Happy ending despite defeat: Dynamo back in the second division

Jubilation despite defeat: Dynamo Dresden are promoted to the 2nd Bundesliga despite a defeat at relegation-threatened SV Waldhof Mannheim. The Saxons lost 0:1 (0:0) at the Carl-Benz Stadium. In front of 22,796 spectators, Kennedy Okpala scored in the 62nd minute after a counter-attack to decide the game. With one matchday remaining in the season, Dynamo can no longer be displaced from a promotion place.

Five minutes before the end, fans from both camps scaled the fences and caused the game to be interrupted. While the Saxon fans returned to their block, the police had to push back masked Waldhof supporters. After ten minutes, the match could be brought to an end.

Dynamo played the first half as anything but a promotion contender. They let Mannheim take control of the game and waited for the hosts to take action in front of their own penalty area, but defended confidently. There was a dearth of big chances for Waldhof.

Dresden completely harmless

Dresden hardly made a mark going forward. When they did, it was down the left flank, where Dominik Kother tried to open up gaps. However, many balls were hit forward relatively haphazardly from the back. In addition, there were many technical difficulties and the footwork also left a lot to be desired. As a result, there was only one chance in the first half. Jakob Lemmer (35) tested Waldhof goalkeeper Jan-Christoph Bartels with a long-range shot, but the surprised Kother missed the rebounded ball.

Dynamo stronger after the break

After the break, Dresden were more offensive and willing to make their own mark. They repeatedly established themselves in Mannheim's half, but continued to create hardly any chances. And they had to watch out for the hosts' transitional moments, who were always ready to counterattack with their quick attackers.

This is how Mannheim took the lead. Lemmer had just missed the first clear chance after the changeover when the Mannheim attack started to move. Okpala gave Tim Schreiber in the Dynamo goal no chance.

Dynamo played forward after that, but the chances were not compelling. However, as 1. FC Saarbrücken lost 4-2 in Aachen, promotion was assured.