Maurice Krattenmacher makes his mark as Elversberg's dream start continues
It's been a memorable week for Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg. One week after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2, the club in the top flight for the first time overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Matchday 2’s seven-goal thriller.
Announcing themselves with seven goals and back-to-back victories against established teams, Vincent Wagner’s charges are continuing their dream start in Germany’s top flight, with help from former Bayern Munich player Maurice Krattenmacher.
Having swapped Bavaria for Elversberg in the summer, Krattenmacher kickstarted Elversberg’s fightback with a massive bit of good fortune. Scoring one minute after his introduction, the 21-year-old reacted quickest in the six-yard box, bundling the ball over the line via the crossbar before Felix Keidel’s sensational free-kick levelled the score.
Then, exhibiting excellent composure for his second, Krattenmacher coolly slotted the ball past Moritz Nicolas, sending the travelling fans into a frenzy with a last-minute winner.
Watch: Borussia Monchengladbach 3-4 Elversberg - highlights
After spending time on loan at then Bundesliga 2 side Ulm, in 2024/25, and at Hertha Berlin last season, it was Krattenmacher’s first strikes in Germany’s top flight. Now, the Germany youth international is grasping his opportunity on Germany’s biggest stage.
Speaking after the game, Elversberg’s No.7 hailed the team spirit after their sensational comeback. "I've firstly got to give a huge shoutout to the team," he remarked. "The way we came back again, given the coach's red card, speaks for us and the team.
"We can come back from losing positions at any time - we saw that again today."
Playing high-octane football, no team scored more than Elversberg’s 64 goals in Bundesliga 2 last season and, if their first two Bundesliga games are anything to go by, they’re not going to deviate from their footballing DNA.
"I enjoyed the way we played football - simply a sensational team performance from everyone," lauded Wagner, who praised his team's response after being sent to the stands for a second bookable offence.
Next up, Elversberg will have a difficult job against reigning champions Bayern, whom they welcome to the URSAPHARM-Arena on 13 September. With their never-say-die attitude, free-flowing attack, brimming confidence and with Bundesliga survival their only goal, anything is possible for Wagner's attacking side.
