News Focus
- Torben Müsel scores the only goal from a free-kick after 62 minutes
- Rot-Weiss Essen claim a 1-0 victory over SpVgg Greuther Fürth
- Jannik Dehm hits the crossbar for the visitors during the first half
- Uwe Koschinat’s defence keeps a clean sheet at Stadion an der Hafenstraße
- Second leg will decide who plays in 2. Bundesliga next season
Rot-Weiss Essen have taken a narrow lead in their relegation play-off against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The hosts secured a 1-0 win in front of a packed crowd at Stadion an der Hafenstraße on Thursday evening.
The match began slowly. Both teams were careful in the opening 45 minutes. There were many fouls and stoppages. The first real chance came in the 16th minute. Fürth’s Jannik Dehm shot from 35 yards out. His powerful strike dipped and hit the crossbar.
The first half ended with no goals. Neither side managed a shot on target. The game improved after half-time. Essen looked stronger as the second half progressed.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Kaito Mizuta won a free-kick near the penalty area. Torben Müsel stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner. Goalkeeper Silas Prüfrock had no chance. The home fans celebrated wildly.
Fürth had lots of the ball but created few chances. Heiko Vogel’s team could not break down the Essen defence. Uwe Koschinat’s side stayed solid at the back. They also threatened on the break. Jannik Hofmann had a late chance to make it 2-0 but shot over the bar from close range.
The match finished 1-0. Essen will take this advantage into the second leg. Fürth must win at home to keep their place in the second tier.