FC Ingolstadt put in an energetic performance as they beat fellow newly promoted side Darmstadt 3-1 in Bavaria. The result means FCI are one point adrift of the Europa League spots whilst the Lilies find themselves in 13th – with a four-point cushion over the relegation play-off spot.
Visitors lead early on
Dirk Schuster’s side maintained their status as set-piece specialists in Ingolstadt. They took the lead after nine minutes when captain Aytac Sulu headed home Konstantin Rausch’s corner. It was their sixth dead ball goal this season.
The way the game was played suited Darmstadt – they defended solidly early on and relied on long balls, something they’ve done quite a bit this season. Ingolstadt struggled to break down the Lilies’ backline in the first half, which was partly down to the fact that Matthew Leckie was suspended for the match.
Darmstadt could have taken the lead earlier but Dominik Stroh-Engel (7’) was unable to fire home when well placed. The game was a scrappy affair early on due to the number of fouls that were committed.
All change after the break
A quickfire double, which consisted of Robert Bauer’s screamer (58’) and a Moritz Hartmann penalty (60’) won the match for FCI, with Hartmann’s second of the game wrapping up the triumph in the 88th minute. The Lilies have now lost three of their last four league games but they aren’t in immediate danger at the wrong end of the table.