A dramatic day in the 2. Bundesliga saw significant movement at the top, with three promotion-chasing teams in action — and Karlsruher SC making the biggest leap.

Karlsruhe defeated 1. FC Nürnberg 2–1 at home to climb to second place in the table. Goals from Schleusener and Wanitzek sealed the win for the hosts, while Koudossou scored the lone goal for Nürnberg.

Darmstadt also claimed a 2–1 victory, beating Eintracht Braunschweig and moving up to fourth position. The visitors initially led through Aydın in the first half, but second-half strikes from Lidberg and Maglica earned a spirited comeback win for Darmstadt.

Elsewhere, Schalke 04 missed a golden opportunity to draw level with league leaders Hannover 96. Playing at home in Gelsenkirchen, Schalke suffered a surprise 0–1 defeat to Holstein Kiel. The only goal of the game came early, courtesy of Bernhardsson, who struck in the opening minutes to stun the Veltins-Arena crowd.

2025-26, Germany - 2nd Bundesliga

Day : 2025-09-13

"Karlsruher SC" - "Nurnberg" 2:1 (1:1)
Goals : Schleusener, 44 (1:0); Koudossou, 45 (1:1); Wanitzek, 75 (2:1)
Yellow Cards : Burnić 83; Bernat H. 90 - Yılmaz 83

"Darmstadt" - "Eintracht Braunschweig" 2:1 (0:1)
Goals : Aydin M-C., 21 (0:1); Lidberg, 62 (1:1); Maglica M., 86 (2:1)
Yellow Cards : Hornby 49; Lidberg 58 - Bell Bell 88
Red cards : - Köhler S. 85'

"Schalke 04" - "Holstein" 0:1 (0:1)
Goals : Bernhardsson, 6 (0:1)
Yellow Cards : - Skrzybski 61; Johansson C. 87