Highlights
Advertisement
Full-time: Saarbrücken 0-2 Eintracht Braunschweig
© IMAGO/Steven Mohr
End of second half
Full-time
90'
+ 4
Yellow for both
Things get a bit heated between Szabó and Sonnenberg after some physical play and both players are duly shown yellow cards.
90'
+ 4
90'
+ 1
Added time
There will be four minutes added on. Can Saarbrücken get on the board before the half-way point in this crunch tie?
90'
Dangerous free-kick
Ould-Chikh curls a sharp free-kick over the wall but Menzel stretches well to palm the ball wide at his near post.
90'
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
89'
Tactical foul
A driving run through midfield from Tempelmann draws an illegal intervention from Vasiliadis. Clear yellow.
85'
Side netting!
It's the same play that led to the two goals, only without Conteh. From the left, this time from Köhler, the ball is played inside, but Kaufmann fires it into the side netting.
85'
Substitution
85'
Substitution
82'
From left to right...
...and back to the left. The Saarlanders are lacking verticality - they need to be more daring if they want to get back into this game!
82'
Can Schmidt do his thing?
It is only thanks to Schmidt's goal against Dortmund's reserves last weekend that Saarbrücken is playing in this relegation match. Will he be the hero latein the piece once again today?
82'
Substitution
79'
Strong scoring record under Schwartz
Saarbrücken have scored in every match under Alois Schwartz, even scoring two or more in every league game. Now, they have just under ten minutes left, but the chances are starting to flow...
76'
Brünker within a whisker
After a Braunschweig defender plays several Saarbrücken forwards onside, Becker nods down a superb ball for Brücker, but the striker is just inches short as he looks to bundle home at the far post.
72'
Well deserved
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xGoals
0
0.69
1.24
2
Goals
70'
Straight at him
Substitute Civeja delivers a corner from the right into the six-yard box, but Fahrner heads into Hoffmann's arms.
Crucial from Tempelman
© IMAGO/Steven Mohr
67'
Following Heidenheim's example?
Yesterday, in the Bundesliga relegation/promotion play-off first leg, the home team were also trailing 2-0 before a raft of substitutions got them back in to the match, which ended 2-2.
67'
Substitution
67'
Substitution
66'
Schwartz reacts
Saarbrücken are now under pressure. Coach Schwartz brings in two new players, Civeja and Vasiliadis.
65'
Substitution
65'
Substitution
63'
Instrumental in both goals
Conteh's part in the second goal was his last contribution before being replaced by Di Michele Sanchez.
63'
Substitution
61'
Rittmüller doubles Braunschweig's lead
After more strong work from Conteh on the left, the ball falls for Rittmüller on the right of the area. The midfielder has enough time to cue up a shot and deftly finds the inside of the far post with a powerful low effort. Braunschweig are starting to take a stranglehold on the tie!
Goal probability
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
Distance to Goal
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
58'
Rahibic has a pop!
From the edge of the area, the left winger shoots for the far post. It flies just wide but was a close call for the outstretched Hoffmann, who looked well beaten.
57'
Canny coaching
Conteh played a key role in setting up the goal – everyone expected former Saarbrücken player Di Michele Sanchez to replace the injured Bell Bell, but Conteh - who played a key role in the opening goal - is proving to be a strong choice in an unfamiliar role on the left flank.
56'
The third shot lands
Goal attempts
3off target
0on target
0off target
3on target
55'
Trailing again
Including their recent state cup match (1-2 in Homburg), Saarbrücken have fallen behind in their last four games in a row. But they did manage to turn things around in their last match against Dortmund's U23 team!
52'
Fired up
Menzel is called into action again but this time saves the ball confidently. After that, he and Polter get into a brief altercation, which referee Welz quickly settles. No lack of emotion here!
49'
Tempelmann breaks the deadlock!
Just as Saarbrücken start to get into the game, Eintracht hit on the counter! Conteh comes down the left and strikes the ball powerfully with the outside of his right foot towards Philippe, who is denied by the onrushing Menzel. The ball trickles into space and Tempelmann is perfectly positioned to slap it through a forest of players and into the back of the net from over 20 metres out.
Goal probability
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
Distance to Goal
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
47'
Saarbrücken on the attack!
The home side burst out of the blocks in the second term, breaking down the left. However, Rizzuto's flat cross to the far post is a just a fraction too far ahead of the desperately sliding Krüger. That was close!
46'
We're back!
Braunschweig kick off for the second half. No changes at half-time.
Kick-off!
Half-time: Saarbrücken 0-0 Braunschweig
© IMAGO/Steven Mohr
Half-time
45'
+ 1
Added time
There will be an extra two minutes at the ned of a relatively calm first half.
42'
Danger from a free-kick?
Yes! Not directly from the free-kick, but shortly thereafter. Eintracht break down the right and the ball is crossed into the box, where Bičakčić slides in at the far post and misses the ball by inches! Goalkeeper Menzel was well beaten!
40'
Drive
It's pretty obvious what the game needs: the drive to score. It seems as if both teams are aiming for a draw. That might be okay today, but it won't be in the second leg.
37'
Unchanged
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xGoals
0
0.16
0.06
0
Goals
35'
A good idea...
Sondheimer spies an opportunity and looks to get the ball forward to Brünker in attack, but the ball rolls untouched into Hoffmann's arms.
34'
Have Eintracht plugged the leaks?
In their last two matches of the Bundesliga 2 season, against Elversberg and Nuremberg, the Lions had already conceded three goals at this stage of the match.
32'
Head to head
Brünker and Bičakčić clash heads in an aerial duel, but after a one-minute treatment break for the latter, fortunately they can both continue.
31'
Oops
A low cross from the right is sent in for Philippe, but the Frenchman is too far forward and gets the ball in the back.
High spirits
© IMAGO/Fabian Kleer
30'
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
27'
First card
Rabihic is brought down by Conteh during a brief Saarbrücken transition, after which he also complains about the whistle. All in all, a clear yellow card.
25'
Intercepted
For the first time in minutes, the visitors gain a foothold in the opposition half. The hard-working Philippe comes down the left flank, but his pass does not find a teammate and is easy prey for Menzel.
23'
No danger
Braunschweig's first corner comes in from the left and is quite high. Krauße jumps up at the far post but, under pressure from his defender, fails to connect properly with the ball.
22'
Attacking trident
New Braunschweig coach Pfitzner said before kick-off that they had come up with something new tactically – and they certainly have: three strikers have lined up alongside each other for the first time in nine months! Gómez and Philippe are flanking Polter. The only other time they used three strikers this season was in the 3-1 defeat to Magdeburg on Matchday 2.
20'
Conteh's new role
He has previously played as a striker or No.10 for Eintracht, but today he seems to have been charged with covering the entire left flank.
19'
Cooler heads
Even though there have been few chances so far, neither team is playing nervously or rushing things. Both are trying to build their play calmly and with control.
17'
On the turn!
There it is, the first shot on goal, even if it whizzes just past the left post. Brünker tries his luck from the right side of the penalty area with a shot on the turn.
14'
Who will take the first step?
Although Eintracht keeper Hoffmann is holding the ball in his hands, it was not preceded by a first shot of the match. It's also telling that his goal-kick does not find its way successfully to a team-mate.
11'
Still no shots
Goal attempts
0off target
0on target
0off target
0on target
8'
The fans in full voice
Even if the action is rather subdued in these first few minutes, the Ludwigsparkstadion can probably be heard throughout the Saarland. Great atmosphere here!
6'
Focus required
Eintracht keeper Hoffmann knocks the ball out of his penalty area a but sloppily. Bichsel quickly recognises an opportunity, but in his haste he heads the ball straight back to the opposing goalkeeper.
3'
Cagey start
Saarbrücken seem to want to concentrate on defending in the opening minutes and drop back a little accordingly. Braunschweig have the ball, but aren't exactly storming forward either.
2'
Braunschweig making early moves
Philippe immediately secures the ball in midfield and Eintracht come down the left flank. However, Conteh's low cross does not find a taker.
1'
We're under way!
Saarbrücken kick off against visitors Braunschweig as this relegation play-off gets under way!
Kick-off!
Perfect conditions
© IMAGO/Fabian Kleer
Herzlich wilkommen!
© IMAGO/Fabian Kleer
More on that Saarbrücken team
Saarbrücken coach Schwartz is fielding the same ten outfield players who won 2-1 against Dortmund's reserves side to secure third place on the final day of 3. Liga season. The only change is in goal, where regular keeper Philipp Menzel is fit again (after missing the last two games) and returns between the posts in place of Tim Paterok.
More on that Braunschweig team
New coach, new team: Pfitzner makes four changes to the side that lost 1-4 to Nuremberg. However, some changes were to be expected: Eintracht's regular goalkeeper is fit again (Hoffmann will therefore play in place of Johansson), and Bell Bell is out with injury. Tachie will start on the bench, while Marie is not in the squad – new additions alongside Hoffmann are Polter, Gómez and Conteh.
Saarbrücken starting XI
Menzel – Becker, Sonnenberg, Bichsel – Fahrner, Zeitz, Sontheimer, Rizzuto – Krüger, Brünker, Rabihic
Saarbrücken subs
Paterok, Thoelke, Wilhelm, Krahn, Multhaup, Vasiliadis, Civeja, Günther-Schmidt, Schmidt
Braunschweig starting XI
Hoffmann – Jaeckel, Bičakčić, Köhler – Rittmüller, Tempelmann, Krauße, Gómez, Conteh – Polter, Philippe
Braunschweig subs
Johansson, Ehlers, Di Michele Sanchez, Kaufmann, Ould-Chikh, Baas, Sané, Szabó, Tachie
Bell Bell big miss for Braunschweig
© IMAGO/Sebastian Priebe
1:59
Watch: Braunschweig 1-4 Nuremberg
Saarbrücken squad
© Andreas Schlichter
Another big game for Braunschweig
You couldn't blame Braunschweig fans for being emotionally exhausted. That's because every season since 201, when they were beaten in the play-off for promotion to the Bundesliga, they have had either a promotion or relegation cliff-hanger in every single campaign, be it in Bundesliga 2 or 3. Liga.
Alois Schwartz on Braunschweig
© IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Erlhof
Marc Pfitzner on Saarbrücken
© IMAGO/Susanne Hübner, Susanne Huebner
Head coach change at Braunschweig
© DFL/Getty Images/Lukas Schulze
Ones to watch
© IMAGO/Christian Schroedter
Head-to-head
These teams have met 24 times in the past. Braunschweig have the edge with 10 wins to eight, with the other six ending in draws. The last meeting was three years ago in the third tier, with Saarbrücken prevailing 2-0.
What is the play-off?
Bundesliga 2's play-off differs from more conventional fixtures referred to as play-offs that often feature four teams contesting a semi-final and a final. In Germany, the teams who finish 16th in Bundesliga 2 and third in 3. Liga contest the two-legged promotion/relegation play-off - known in German simply as the 'Relegation'.
Saarbrücken - how they got here
© IMAGO/Philipp Flohr
Braunschweig - how they got here
© IMAGO/Darius Simka
Welcome!
It's Saarbrücken vs. Eintracht Braunschweig in the first leg of the promotion play-off to determine which club will play in Bundesliga 2 next season - stay tuned for match build-up, live coverage and reaction!