Paderborn Climbs to Fifth with Late Goals against Münster
After a hard-fought match at the Paderborner Arena, SC Paderborn secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over newly promoted Preußen Münster, propelling them up to fifth place in the 2. Bundesliga standings.
Late Strikes Seal Home Triumph
In an otherwise uneventful first half, Marvin Mehlem broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, igniting the Paderborn faithful. Just three minutes later, substitute Ilyas Ansah sealed the win for the hosts, putting the match beyond Münster’s reach before 14,534 spectators.
Paderborn’s Resurgence
With this crucial victory, Paderborn has now collected 37 points from 22 matches and leapfrogged Fortuna Düsseldorf, who face Hertha BSC Berlin on Saturday. The win marks their first home success since late November and reignites their hopes of promotion.
Relegation Woes for Münster
Meanwhile, Münster’s struggles continue as they failed to secure a win for the fifth consecutive game. The defeat leaves them precariously close to the relegation zone, with potential relegation to the third tier looming if they fail to improve their form.
A Tale of Two Halves
In stark contrast to their high-scoring 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture, the first half offered little excitement to the fans. Both teams approached the game cautiously, lacking creativity and attacking intent.
Second-Half Awakening
The second half brought a noticeable shift in momentum, however. Mehlem’s rattling shot against the post moments after the restart jolted Paderborn into action. Their attacking play grew more potent, eventually culminating in the decisive goals from Mehlem and Ansah.
Coach Kwasniok’s Praise
Paderborn coach Lukas Kwasniok praised his team’s resilience and determination, particularly in the second half. He credited their ability to stay focused and take advantage of their chances when they presented themselves.
Münster’s Disappointment
On the other hand, Münster coach Sascha Hildmann expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, especially in the second half. He acknowledged that they were outplayed by a more determined Paderborn side and called for a quick response in their next match.
Conclusion
SC Paderborn’s hard-fought victory over Preußen Münster has breathed new life into their promotion aspirations. With Münster’s slide towards the relegation zone, the 2. Bundesliga promises to provide even more drama and excitement in the coming weeks.
