Things are getting tighter for Hansa Rostock in the relegation battle of the 2nd Bundesliga: against Karlsruher SC, a lead of 1:2 (1:0) was not enough to count. This means that Hansa remains in second-to-last place with two game days to go, which would mean direct relegation.
The home games should bring it for Hansa Rostock – that’s how they imagined it would be in Mecklenburg with the way to staying in the league. However, with the KSC, a team came to the north on Saturday (May 4th, 2024) that was brimming with self-confidence. With a great winning streak, the Baden team had recently worked their way up to fifth place in the table.
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Hansa with a cautious start
Accordingly, the home team began their endeavor to win the important home three points cautiously. The Hansa players initially stood low and let the guest come first. He took advantage of this and, in addition to being visually dominant, also created a few opportunities in the first few minutes.
The best came in the 6th minute, when KSC attacker Budu Zivzivadze turned away in celebration after pushing the ball over the goal line from four meters. But the goal was not recognized. Referee Florian Badstübner withdrew the goal for offside after VAR intervention.
Jonas Freudenhammer, Sportschau, May 4th, 2024 3:22 p.m
Neidhart’s cracker made it 1-0 for Rostock
It was only after a quarter of an hour that Hansa slowly came out of the state of shock and at least made timid attempts to attack. They were actually rewarded after a good half hour: Nico Neidhart redeemed the team with the first goal in 300 minutes of play!
The player, who had slipped into the starting line-up at short notice, drove the ball forward via the half-right lane and then took a powerful shot from 20 meters with his right instep, which hit the top left corner unstoppable. 1:0 (33rd).
KSC turns the game around
But it didn’t take long after the break and KSC, who were stronger in terms of play, had turned the game around. First, Zivzivadze made it 1-1 in the 52nd minute when he took advantage of a brilliant assist from KSC playmaker Marvin Wanitzek from close range.
Four minutes later, Hansa defender Kostas Stafylidis brought down his opponent Igor Matanovic in the penalty area – penalty. Wanitzek safely converted it to make it 1:2.
The KSC not only turned the game around, but somehow also pulled the hosts’ teeth out. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to pose a real goal threat again until the final whistle. Which means that Rostock’s relegation has now come closer.
Jonas Freudenhammer, Jonas Freudenhammer, Sportschau, May 4th, 2024 3:41 p.m
Rostock against Schalke, Karlsruhe against Hanover
Hansa Rostock will play away at Schalke in its next league game (Saturday May 11, 24, 1:00 p.m.). Karlsruhe has to play at home against Hannover (Sunday, May 12, 2024, 1:30 p.m.).