2. Bundesliga: Energie Cottbus seal big win at Karlsruhe | OneFootball

There were 18 attempts in total in a thrilling first half. Lucas Copado had the first chance of the game when his header was blocked by Hans Christian Bernat. Unlike last week’s game in Wolfsburg, the visitors started this one in a positive manner.

Marcel Lotka was also called into action as he denied Louey Ben Farhat from close range with a spectacular save. Tolcay Ciğerci continued to be the creative hub for the newcomers as he had a decent effort from outside the box before setting up Lukas Michelbrink’s first chance.

The Lithuanian then broke the deadlock in the last minute of injury-time after a brilliant one-two with Copado. Karlsruhe started the second half in better fashion, with Ben Farhat once again at the heart of their attack.

However, it was Cottbus who doubled their lead against the run of play with Dominik Pelivan. The defensive midfielder was a half-time substitute in place of Leonardo Bittencourt, who was cautioned after being denied a penalty-kick in the wake of a VAR check.

Karlsruhe defenders gave Pelivan ample time at the edge of the box following a well-worked move by Claus-Dieter Wollitz’s side. Less than ten minutes later, it was three for the visitors with another brilliant strike from Justin Butler.

Bernat had to make some crucial saves to avoid further embarrassment for the hosts, while Christian Kinsombi hit the post mere seconds after coming on as a substitute. Minutes later, Ciğerci tried to score from the halfway line after noticing Bernat leaving his box.

It was the first win for Cottbus after they beat Hannover in their return to the division on matchday 1. Maximilian Senft’s side also started the season with three points, but they have only taken two points since then as they conceded eight goals in front of their fans to Wolfsburg and Cottbus.

Both teams will play at home before the season’s first international break. Karlsruhe, who failed to score at home for the first time in 2026, will entertain high-flying Nürnberg. The league’s third-best attack will clash with St. Pauli, who recorded their first victory of the season in yesterday’s Topspiel against Wolfsburg.