SV Elversberg has missed a significant step towards the Bundesliga.
The Saarlanders had to settle for a 3-3 (3-2) draw against Darmstadt 98 in an exciting chase that saw them play with an advantage in numbers. This result has pushed them down to fourth place. Following their sixth consecutive match without a win, Darmstadt now trails the promotion playoff spot by six points, leaving them with only theoretical chances of promotion.
The hosts initially took a quick 2-0 lead with goals from Patric Pfeiffer (14′) and Fraser Hornby (15′). However, Elversberg turned the game around before halftime with goals from Tom Zimmerschied (26′), Maximilian Rohr (34′), and Lukas Petkov (45’+2). Pfeiffer was also shown a red card for a professional foul (44′). Despite being a man down, Hornby equalized with his second goal of the match (51′).
Darmstadt Equalizes Despite Being Short-Handed
Pfeiffer was initially the center of attention, scoring the opening goal with a backheel. Just seconds later, Darmstadt struck again, with Zimmerschied making a misplaced pass directly to Hornby. However, the visitors managed to get back into the game. After the equalizer, Pfeiffer was sent off, and Elversberg capitalized on the subsequent free-kick to take the lead at halftime.
Despite the setback, coach Florian Kohfeldt’s team did not give up, and Hornby scored his eleventh goal of the season. Both teams then sought to secure the victory.