2. Bundesliga: Ciğerci's set-pieces and Lotka's saves help Cottbus stun Hannover
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Energie Cottbus took all three points at the expense of promotion favorites Hannover in the opening matchday of 2. Bundesliga. The newly-promoted side sit third at the end of the first week of the new season after their hard-fought 3-1 victory.
Despite the very warm temperature in Cottbus, the first-half was thoroughly entertaining. The hosts drew first blood when Tolcay Ciğerci's free-kick ended up in the net after Mustapha Bundu's big deflection. The midfielder who last played in 2. Bundesliga nine years ago scored Cottbus’ first goal of the season after starring for them in 3. Liga in the past three years.
However, Hannover’s response consolidated early season predictions. Marcel Lotka was the star of Cottbus in the first 45 minutes with multiple saves, including an early contender for the best of the season to deny Kolja Oudenne. The Swedish midfielder and last season's 3. Liga sensation Lars Gindorf had several chances, but the former Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper was in top form as he made seven first-half saves.
The visitors still managed to equalize before the break as Maurice Neubauer's well-placed shot found its destination in a crowded box. With no attacking intent since their goal in the 14th minute, Claus-Dieter “Pele” Wollitz made three substitutions for the start of the second-half. It did work to ease the pressure until Christian Titz's first change.
Within seconds of replacing Benjamin Källman, Benedikt Pichler came very close to scoring with a brilliant header. Lotka then made his first second-half save to thwart Oudenne once again. At the other end, the newcomers only needed one invitation.
Ciğerci scored his second 2. Bundesliga goal with a confident penalty-kick after Pascal Loretz brought down substitute Moritz Hannemann inside the box. Another substitute sealed the three points as Ciğerci's corner-kick wasn't properly cleared before Justin Butler's powerful strike. Lotka continued to make important saves as the hosts held on to their lead.
The returnee Leonardo Bittencourt and Ciğerci received huge standing ovations when they were subbed off. With his older brother Tolga Ciğerci in the stands, Tolcay shone once again in the red and white shirts. The former Gladbach and Hertha man signed for Regionalliga side Altglienicke after joining his brother at Cottbus for the second half of last season.
Hannover will host fellow promotion hopefuls Wolfsburg in the season's first Lower Saxony derby next Sunday, while Cottbus play away at Bielefeld at the same time.
