News Focus
- SC Paderborn defeat Darmstadt 2-0 to secure third place and a promotion play-off spot
- Goalkeeper Seimen produces a man-of-the-match performance with several world-class saves
- Veteran striker Sven Michel scores in the 89th minute to seal the vital victory
- The result, combined with Nürnberg’s draw against Hannover, keeps Paderborn’s promotion dream alive
SC Paderborn have booked their place in the promotion play-offs after a tense 2-0 win away to Darmstadt. The victory, combined with Nürnberg’s stalemate against Hannover, allowed Ralf Kettemann’s side to leap into third position on the final day of the season.
The clash began at a frantic pace. After just four minutes, the hosts nearly took the lead when Isac Lidberg struck the post. However, Paderborn hit back immediately. Two minutes later, Mattes Hansen floated a pass over the defence to find Marino. The forward controlled the ball brilliantly, skipped past Aleksandar Vukotić, and calmly slotted past Marcel Schuhen at the near post to make it 1-0.
Darmstadt responded well and created two excellent chances before half-time. First, Killian Corredor forced a superb low save from Seimen following some intricate build-up play. Shortly after, Marco Richter went close from a long throw-in. Three minutes before the break, Richter beat Tjark Scheller with a clever feint and unleashed a powerful shot, but Seimen once again denied him.
The goalkeeper continued his outstanding display three minutes into the second period. Corredor raced through on goal for a one-on-one opportunity, yet Seimen made himself big and produced another magnificent stop to keep his side ahead.
Paderborn were handed a chance to double their lead when Sergio López brought down Jonah Sticker inside the penalty area. Filip Bilbija stepped up to take the spot-kick, but the forward smashed his effort against the crossbar.
The hosts continued to press, but Seimen delivered a miraculous double save to deny Lidberg in the 72nd minute. Moments later, Kai Klefisch also struck the woodwork as Darmstadt’s frustration grew.
With news filtering through that Nürnberg had equalised against Hannover, Paderborn knew a second goal would secure their play-off place. In the 89th minute, Stefan Tigges showed excellent hold-up play and backheeled the ball to Bilbija. The winger burst into the box and squared for veteran striker Sven Michel, who calmly tapped home to spark jubilant scenes among the travelling supporters and confirm a dramatic third-place finish.