Zukowski remains Magdeburg's guarantee of success in the relegation battle

1. FC Magdeburg have bounced back in the fight against relegation. One guarantee of success is center forward Mateusz Zukowski, who scored his second brace in a row in the 4-1 win against VfL Bochum. With 30 points to their name, the team from the city on the Elbe have created a decent starting point for the decisive weeks in the 2nd Bundesliga.

And the Pole has become the top scorer in the second division, leading the list with 15 goals. It has taken him just 16 appearances to score, scoring four braces and one treble. FCM coach Petrik Sander was therefore surprised at his striker's regular position so far. "I can remember the first training sessions and said that he had to be our center forward," Sander recalled. "Whoever came up with the idea of letting the boy play as a right-back - which he was - is difficult for me to understand," said the soccer coach, wondering about Zukowski's previous position.

Fourth brace against Bochum

In addition to Zukowski's goals, FCM are also benefiting from the resurgence of their playmaker Baris Atik, who has once again taken on the central role in Magdeburg's attacking play. This has become much more controlled and patient, resulting in fewer ball losses and therefore fewer goals conceded. Added to this is the breadth of the squad, which is now better able to compensate for the absence of regular players.

Even though FCM are delighted with their first home win since November, nothing has been won yet. A tough task awaits in Paderborn. The team currently second in the table is not one of Magdeburg's favorite opponents - the last away win dates back to 2002, when the FCM won spectacularly 6:1.

Sports director Peer Jaekel: "The table is disgusting"

However, adding points remains a must, as only six points separate ranks 10 to 18 in the second division table. "The table is disgusting, of course, but the boys should enjoy it - 12 to 24 hours, then we have to focus on next week, a super tough game in Paderborn, but we want to take something with us there," said Magdeburg's new sporting director Peer Jaekel.