Eintracht Braunschweig took a big step towards Bundesliga 2 survival as they beat Saarbrücken 2-0 away in the first leg of the Bundesliga 2 relegation play-off on Friday night.

Saarbrücken 0-2 Eintracht Braunschweig

Goals: 0-1 Tempelmann 49', 0-2 Rittmüller 61'

The Bundesliga 2 relegation/promotion play-off first leg between Saarbrücken and Eintracht Braunschweig kicked off with high stakes at the Ludwigsparkstadion. Braunschweig, under new coach Marc Pfitzner, entered the match hoping to retain their Bundesliga 2 status, while Saarbrücken were looking to secure promotion from the 3. Liga. The visitors made a bold tactical decision, fielding three strikers for the first time in nine months, signalling their intent to take the game to their hosts.

The early stages of the tense encounter featured a fierce battle in midfield. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

First-half stalemate

The first half was a cagey affair with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Kai Brünker had the first notable attempt for Saarbrücken in the 16th minute, but his shot from inside the box went wide.

Braunschweig's best opportunity came in the 27th minute when Rayan Philippe forced a save from Saarbrücken goalkeeper Phillip Menzel. The high stakes were evident as some frustration crept into the match, with Braunschweig's Christian Conteh receiving a yellow card in the 27th minute.

Saarbrücken striker Brünker has the first shot of the match. - IMAGO/Fabian Kleer

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Braunschweig break the deadlock

The second half saw a dramatic shift in the match's dynamics. Braunschweig's tactical adjustments paid off when Tempelmann broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. The goal came from a swift counter-attack, with Conteh's cross finding Philippe, whose initial effort was saved before Tempelmann slotted home the rebound from a full 20 metres out. This goal, Tempelmann's seventh in 17 appearances for Braunschweig, injected new life into the visitors' performance.

Lino Tempelmann celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Eintracht Braunschweig. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

Rittmüller doubles the lead

Braunschweig's dominance continued, and they doubled their lead in the 61st minute. Once again, Conteh was instrumental, setting up Rittmüller, who fired home from inside the box. Saarbrücken struggled to respond, with their best chance coming from a Brünker header that went wide in the 67th minute.

Eintracht Braunschweig players celebrate Marvin Rittmüller's goal, which extended their lead to 2-0. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

Saarbrücken's uphill battle

Saarbrücken coach Alois Schwartz attempted to change the game's momentum with substitutions, bringing on Tim Civeja and Sebastian Vasiliadis in the 66th minute.

 However, Braunschweig's tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved to be the difference; the visitors managed to control the game and limit Saarbrücken's attacking threats. Braunschweig made their own changes, with Fabio Kaufmann and Levente Szabó replacing Rittmüller and Sebastian Polter respectively in the 67th minute.

Conteh adapted extremely well to his unfamiliar positioning on the left flank, having a hand in both goals. - IMAGO/Ralf Brueck

Player of the Match: Christian Conteh

While Tempelmann and Rittmüller got the goals, Conteh emerged as the standout performer. Despite playing in an unfamiliar left wing-back role, Conteh's influence was crucial in both goals.

His ability to provide width and deliver dangerous crosses caused constant problems for the Saarbrücken defence. Conteh's performance exemplified Braunschweig's tactical superiority and adaptability, and proved to be a key factor in their victory.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Saarbrücken 0.69 - Braunschweig 1.49
Fastest player: Rayan Philippe (Braunschweig), 33.59 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Lino Tempelmann (Braunschweig), 9.06 percent
Most pressed player: Johan Gómez (Braunschweig), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Sven Köhler (Braunschweig), +4.84

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Eintracht Braunschweig

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