1. FC Magdeburg suffered a setback in the race for promotion to the Bundesliga. In front of 12,030 spectators at SpVgg Greuther Fürth, the second division club could not get past 1:1 (1:1). Magdeburg's Baris Atik (20') equalized Noel Futkeu's opening goal (17'). FCM slipped out of the promotion places in the table.
FCM coach Christian Titz had to make massive changes to his starting XI. Patric Pfeiffer and Tobias Müller replaced the suspended Marcus Mathisen (10th yellow card) and the injured Jean Hugonet in the back three. Abu-Bekir El-Zein replaced Mohammed El Hankouri in midfield and Atik returned to the starting eleven after serving his suspension.
The match began on an even keel, with both teams trying to gain security by controlling the ball. Magdeburg's Martijn Kaars had the first chance to score, but failed to reach a rebound in time (6th minute).
Quick Magdeburg equalizer
The FCM then gained more of the play and the hosts pulled back a little. Magdeburg did get into the penalty area more often, but failed to finish - the hosts managed to do so and took the lead after a pin-pass. However, Titz's team equalized immediately: El-Zein chipped the ball to Atik, who scored with a flick. Nothing more happened until the break in what was then a rather tough game.