Joel Grodowski delivered a stunning individual display to guide Arminia Bielefeld past Energie Cottbus, scoring his first league hat-trick for the club in a commanding 2. Bundesliga victory. The result leaves both teams with three points apiece after the opening two fixtures of the campaign.
The 28-year-old striker, who netted 12 times in the second tier last season, had earlier seen an effort ruled out for offside before opening his account with a simple finish from close range. He converted a cutback from debutant Henri Koudossou after the 26-year-old right-back had impressed on his first appearance at the SchücoArena, providing the assist 26 minutes into the contest. Grodowski doubled the advantage ten minutes later, dispossessing Dominik Pelivan high up the pitch before embarking on a solo run and delicately chipping former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Marcel Lotka.
Cottbus, who stunned Hannover on the opening weekend, were already deprived of last season’s top scorer Erik Engelhardt through a long-term knee injury that will keep him out for months. They struggled to mount a response despite coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz making three substitutions before the hour mark. The visitors’ captain Tolcay Ciğerci, who had converted from the spot in that triumph against Hannover, endured a more difficult afternoon this time around.
Bielefeld continued to threaten after the interval, with substitute Benjamin Boakye spurning a chance following another error from Pelivan. Fifteen minutes from time, Ciğerci conceded a penalty after a needless challenge on United States striker Isaiah Young inside the area. Grodowski stepped up confidently to complete his treble from the spot and seal the victory.
The win marks an encouraging start for Oliver Kirch, who has taken charge of Bielefeld for his maiden first-team role following the departure of Mitch Kniat. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has now guided his side to the top half of the early standings.
Both clubs will now turn their attention to the DFB-Pokal first round next week. Cottbus face Bundesliga outfit Augsburg at home before returning to league action against fellow Bavarians Greuther Fürth. Bielefeld, meanwhile, will travel to face newly-promoted 3. Liga side Grossaspach in the cup competition prior to a daunting league trip to early pacesetters Nürnberg.