Felix Klaus delivered a commanding performance with two goals as Greuther Fürth claimed their first victory of the 2. Bundesliga season, defeating newly-promoted Energie Cottbus 4-2 in an entertaining away fixture.
The 33-year-old winger bounced back from the penalty miss that proved decisive in the recent derby defeat against Nürnberg, converting from the spot during first-half injury time to cancel out Lucas Copaldo’s opener for the hosts. That strike ensured the sides entered the break level after an evenly contested first 45 minutes.
Second-half goal rush
The second period produced a flurry of goals as both sides traded blows. Greuther Fürth initially took the lead early after the restart when Fousseny Doumbia inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following Klaus’s prompting.
Energie Cottbus responded strongly, with half-time substitute Tolcay Ciğerci netting his third goal of the campaign to restore parity. The club captain’s strike levelled matters temporarily, but the visitors soon regained the initiative through former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ole Pohlmann.
Klaus completed his second brace of the season ten minutes from time, sealing the points and taking his personal tally to five goals. The winger has now been directly involved in the majority of his side’s attacking output this term.
Contrasting fortunes
The result offers welcome relief for the Franconian side, who had suffered cup elimination last week and began their league campaign with frustration. Securing three points against the newly-promoted side provides a foundation to build upon as they look to establish themselves in the division.
For Cottbus, the defeat represents a second consecutive 2. Bundesliga match in which they have shipped three or more goals, highlighting defensive concerns as they adjust to the demands of the second tier. Having also exited the cup recently, the Lausitz side face a testing period ahead.
Greuther Fürth will hope to maintain this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Cottbus must quickly address their rear-guard troubles if they are to secure their survival.