Paderborn Overcome Fortuna Fortress

After nearly fifteen months, the series has come to an end. Fortuna succumb to disciplined Paderborn side 2:3 (0:1) after needed resistance wasn't mounted until the second half - too late for a happy ending.

While both teams went on the offensive in the first half, Paderborn came up with the first chances. On six minutes, Paderborn boasted good scoring opportunities with captain Krösche's shot from 19 yards and Mohr's header against the bar on the ensuing corner. Fortuna looked too ponderous, playing around in the back but showing little movement without the ball. Much like the Düsseldorf side we've grown accustomed to, the guests exhibited technically strong forward play with confidence and assertiveness in one-on-ones. Paderborn's Proschwitz and lanky Bertels gave the Düsseldorf defense a lot of trouble. Of all players, goal scorer Proschwitz was able to mark the deserved opening goal, having been insufficiently challenged after a long ball. Fortuna's only chance in the first half was a bicycle kick fielded by Sascha Rösler (who else?). Otherwise, the red and white forwards were clearly kept under control by the strong Paderborn defense.

Coach Norbert Meier responded at halftime, substituting Juanan for Langeneke in central defense. Düsseldorf finally showed more commitment with the further substitution of Ken Ilsø adding more unpredictability upfront. Once again, coach Meier had the right touch with his changes as Spanish player Juanan was able to score the 1-1 equalizer (57th) after good prep work by Ilsø. Not shocked in the least, Paderborn regained the lead through a free kick by Meha into the top corner from about 21 yards.

As Fortuna began to utilize more technical skill to crack Paderborn's defense, the game morphed into an intense second-division matchup. The 1-3 score came at an unfortunate time, and again, it arose from a set piece situation. Unmarked Mohr put a header in the back of the net following a free-kick from the left (73th). But Düsseldorf refused to give up and only two minutes later, substitute Jovanovic reduced the deficit to 2:3, ushering in waves of attacks towards the goal of Lukas Kruse. Jovanovic had two more chances after a Rösler cross and a free-kick by Ilsø; the ball was now flying in the direction of Kruse by the minute but not even the equalizer would materialize. With the first home defeat in over 15 months, Fortuna succumb to an admittedly strong opponent for the first time this season. Now it’s on to the much anticipated cup encounter with Dortmund next Tuesday, the only remaining game this year.