2. BL: Düsseldorf strike late to snatch all three points against Bielefeld

Cedric Itten struck late to decide the contest, rising highest to head home the only goal of the game and hand Fortuna a vital three points, while compounding Bielefeld’s growing troubles.

Despite a lively atmosphere generated by both sets of supporters, the first half was something of an anti-climax. The game was largely played in midfield, with both sides content to probe cautiously and wait for the opposition to make a mistake rather than commit bodies forward.

Düsseldorf briefly increased the tempo in the final ten minutes of the half, enjoying more possession and pushing men into the Bielefeld penalty area. However, clear openings proved elusive and the sides went into the break level, without a single shot on target. It marked the eighth time this season Fortuna had gone in goalless at half-time - a scenario they had yet to turn into a victory.

The restart appeared to spark the hosts into life. Itten looked increasingly influential, stretching the Bielefeld back line, while Anouar El Azzouzi came close after collecting the ball from the Swiss forward and driving towards goal, only for Jonas Kersken to stand firm and deny Düsseldorf a golden opportunity.

Fortuna continued to apply pressure as the half wore on, but were repeatedly frustrated by the impressive Kersken. Just as the contest seemed destined to end in stalemate, the breakthrough arrived. From a corner in the 86th minute, Itten rose above the defence to glance a header past a hesitant Kersken, sending the home crowd into raptures.

It was far from a convincing display from Markus Anfang’s side, but the points are invaluable. The win secures back-to-back victories and lifts Düsseldorf up to 14th place, leapfrogging Bielefeld in the table. For Mitch Kniat’s men, another toothless outing extends their winless run to six matches and sees them slip into the bottom three.