Arminia Bielefeld secured a dominant victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf in Saturday evening’s match, winning 5-1 in the opening round of the 2. Bundesliga. The encounter proved to be a physically demanding contest, with both teams showcasing attacking intent.
Fortuna Düsseldorf first threatened in the 18th minute, with a volley from Appelkamp narrowly missing the mark. Bielefeld’s first foray into the opposition’s territory didn’t occur until the 30th minute, with Schneider’s header sailing wide. Rasmussen then rattled the crossbar in the 33rd minute with a powerful shot that struck the underside of the bar. However, Rasmussen was instrumental in the 35th minute, providing a crucial through-ball for Itten, who outpaced the Düsseldorf defense and slotted past Kersken.
The visitors’ elation was short-lived. A series of fouls by Oberdorf led to a caution in the 39th minute and then a red card in the 44th, leaving Düsseldorf a player down. Bielefeld quickly capitalized on the man advantage, with Corboz providing a cross that found Sarenren-Bazee, who bundled the ball into the net in the 45th minute.
The second half continued with Bielefeld’s ascendancy. A handball by Alexandropoulos in the 54th minute resulted in a penalty, converted decisively by Kania to extend the lead. Düsseldorf’s Zimmermann nearly pulled one back in the 58th minute with an audacious lob, but Russo made a spectacular save to deny him.
Bielefeld continued to press their advantage. Another corner in the 75th minute resulted in a goal, with Felix powerfully heading home. Further woes for Düsseldorf followed in the 78th minute. Following a corner, a scramble in the box ended with Grodowski poking the ball over the line. Rossmann had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 86th minute, but Kersken denied him. Schreck, a late substitute, sealed the emphatic victory in the 90+7th minute, capitalizing on a deflection off of a Handwerker shot.
The convincing win propels Arminia Bielefeld to the top of the 2. Bundesliga table. Fortuna Düsseldorf, in contrast, begins the new season at the foot of the standings.