Partial success in the relegation battle: Magdeburg scores in Darmstadt

The interim coaching duo of Petrik Sander and Pascal Ibold achieved their first partial success with a point in Darmstadt. 1. FC Magdeburg drew 0-0 at SV Darmstadt 98, with Darmstadt's Sergio Lopez being shown a yellow card (82'). Even though FCM did not concede a goal for the first time, the Elbe club remain 18th in the table with four points.

"For me, it's an absolute point win," said Sander on Sky. "We conceded very few free-kicks and set-pieces, which was extremely good. The boys can play soccer and you have to give them credit for that. Then I can't take away their own strength and say I'm going to force you into some kind of system," added the 64-year-old.

The interim duo made three changes to the starting XI, starting with Alexander Ahl-Holmström, Philipp Hercher and Falko Michel. The team's focus on possession soccer and the formation did not change. Magdeburg dominated the opening minutes without really becoming dangerous. Then the hosts also got into the game.

Magdeburg avoided taking risks

The Elbe club tried to gain security through ball movement, but lacked the necessary risk. Overall, there were few chances in the match - only Darmstadt had a shot on goal in the first half hour, but FCM captain Dominik Reimann failed in each case.

It was only in the final quarter of an hour before the break that Magdeburg became more dangerous, but shots from Lubambo Musonda and Baris Atik were blocked. Darmstadt looked more determined and dangerous, but were equally unable to find the net.

FCM unable to take advantage of superior numbers

FCM also lacked precision and clear ideas in attack after the break. The hosts became more active again after a quarter of an hour, but failed to score. Darmstadt had to play the final minutes short-handed as Lopez was shown a yellow card (82') - too harsh a decision. However, Magdeburg failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority.

For the first time this season, FCM did not concede a goal, even if the one point was probably not enough for the team at the bottom of the table. The Elbe club must finally end their goal drought against Preußen Münster - they have now been waiting 450 minutes for a winning result.