In the last minute, FSV Zwickau suffered defeat against Saarbrücken – after a penalty and a red card. It was the Swans’ first defeat in nine league games, while the FCS celebrated their third win in a row.
Zwickau coach Joe Enochs was back from domestic quarantine after being replaced by co-coach Robin Lenk in the 2-2 draw at Türkgücü München. He rotated the starting eleven in three positions, bringing on Schikora, Horn and König in place of Coskun, Starke and Baumann (all bench).
FCS coach Uwe Koschinat made two changes compared to the 2-0 win against Viktoria Berlin – Erdmann and Deville replaced Bulic (bench) and Ernst (ill) – and demanded from his team before the game to be fully there from the start. That’s exactly what the coach got to see in the first minutes. And promptly it rang early: Günther-Schmidt was free through after Grimaldi’s through pass and gave Zwickau the early arrears (3rd).
The game then became more balanced and Nkansah headed a corner onto the top of the crossbar (9th). However, it remained the Swans’ only shot on goal in the first half. Saarbrücken regained control of the game and often had a lot of space for quick advances.
FCS still in control
FSV keeper Kamenz strongly wiped a Grimaldi header off the line (22nd), before the keeper was already beaten on a Günther Schmidt solo, but could rely on his front men to decisively disrupt Grimaldi (35th). Before the break, Jänicke put another exclamation mark on the game and just missed from 25 metres (42).
Due to thigh problems, Jänicke had to stay in the dressing room for the second half. Enochs also changed three times – for tactical reasons – and saw a completely changed home team. After only a few seconds, Gomez headed just over (46.).
Nkansah equalises – Steinkötter revives Saarbrücken
FSV continued to act courageously and were the more active team, but without reaping much return. Half chances by König (53.) and Schikora (58.) fizzled out. But after an hour, the ball was suddenly in the net of the guests, because Batz misjudged a corner and Nkansah was allowed to head into the empty goal (66.).
Thereupon, the game flattened out a bit. Zwickau continued to do more for the game, but the Swans lacked the final consistency in their attacks. For the final phase, Koschinat brought in young attacking personnel in the shape of Krätschmer and Steinkötter, who were to make the difference. Steinkötter announced himself with a finish in the 85th minute before he could only be stopped unfairly four minutes later. Frick did so as the last man in his own penalty area, causing a red card against him in addition to a penalty. Jacob, who was substituted at the break, converted the spot kick for the lucky punch for the visitors (90th).