Bielefeld leave it late to snatch 2-2 draw against impressive Fürth
Gonzalo Castro's late volley ended Fürth's hopes of a first away win of their Bundesliga campaign.
In a game which could have monumental importance in the bid for German topflight survival, Arminia Bielefeld played host to the Bundesliga’s basement side, Greuther Fürth, rounding off the fixtures for Matchday 19. After Augsburg’s draw with Frankfurt earlier, Bielefeld had the opportunity to rise one point clear of the 16th place Relegation-Promotion spot with a win. A slightly different story for the visiting team however, as they came in search of their first Bundesliga away win of the season.
Frank Kramer’s team took all of 8 minutes to hit the front and take an early 1-0 lead. Who other than the in-form Mayasa Okugawa found the back of Sacha Burchert’s net after Krüger slipped him in from the edge of the box. This was the Japanese winger’s fourth goal in consecutive games since Matchday 16 after previously bagging against Bochum, Leipzig, and Freiburg respectively.
The visitors battled hard in the opening half hour of the affair and got their just rewards 10 minutes before the break. A Jamie Leweling leveller came in the form of a counterattack down the left-hand side with the help of teammate, Branimir Hrgota. The young German brilliantly held off his marker, Andrade, to finish past the wall-like figure of Ortega, making it 1-1.
Tillmann and Schöpf exchanged shots at either end of the Schüco Arena pitch not too long after the interval. Both teams sought hard to gain control of the game as the clock approached the hour mark. Tensions even flared up on the touchline which emphasised the hunger from both clubs to secure an all-important victory.
Die Kleeblätter did take the lead on 67 minutes through instant impact substitute Håvard Nielsen. Having only come off the bench moments earlier, the Norwegian striker beat Pieper to Seguin’s lofted cross, and his first touch nodded the ball home with the aid of the post.
Despite Fürth’s brave attempts to see the game out, Bielefeld drew level through a sweet volley from home debutant and Bundesliga veteran, Gonzalo Castro. The ball broke kindly for the 34-year-old who’s beautifully struck effort sailed past the sprawling Burchert inside the left upright for 2-2.
In the end, nothing could separate the sides on the scoreboard, despite Bielefeld likely feeling slightly more disappointed with the result given their quick start. Fürth will hope to continue their improved momentum when they play Mainz next weekend at home.